Dear Tabernacle Family,
There is something inside each of us that desires to belong and to be accepted. We begin searching to find a sense of connection from our earliest days on the playground when we begin forming teams. If we can’t find people who accept our uniqueness, we end up feeling like we are on the outside looking in.
If you’ve ever developed a close relationship with a group of people, you’ve probably shared food, shared stories, and ended up sharing each other’s burdens. This probably didn’t happen right away, but in time, and with perseverance, and a lot of grace and love, deep bonds formed and a little family was birthed.
We at The Tabernacle call ourselves an Apostolic Center, a Covenant FAMILY! That means, no matter where you are on the globe, if you are in relationship with the people of The Tabernacle – You’re Family! Please note, “relationship” is the key word. You see, it’s possible to attend services for years, and enjoy our amazing worship music and fantastic teaching, but never truly become family. That requires a heart that is willing to step over the spectator line and become part of a group where you can connect with others (Women’s Ministry, Men’s Ministry, a Discipleship Class, a Home Group, etc.). I encourage you to make the decision and commit to something for a few months. Go in to it with tenacity and fervor, believing that God is going to build relationships into families.
Because members of real families serve each other, the next step is to find a place to serve. Years ago, I was a part of a large church for ten years. During the first five years, I kept saying that I could not connect and make friends. One day, God said to me, “If this is really your church home, then serve!” I contacted two ministries and said that I was available to serve in whatever capacity they needed. Within two weeks of serving I made more friends than I did in the prior five years. You see, God is looking for you to put your “YES” on the table. It’s surprising to see what God will do with your “YES!” Say to God today, “How can I serve You at my church home?” Believe me, if you are open, the Holy Spirit will direct your heart. If you need help on where to begin, fill out and return the “Volunteer Document” that is available at the Welcome Information Center, and then see how God weaves you into this amazing family.
Finally, if you’ve just started attending The Tabernacle within the last few months, we hope you will take the first step of connecting with our leaders by joining us for our VISITORS MEET & GREET RECEPTION on Sunday, February 26th from 9:00 – 10:00am in the Admin Conference Room. Please call the Church Office if you can join us.
Because we’re Family,
Krystena M. Nightingale
Administrator for Life Development