The Church Should Welcome You—Here’s Why

This time of year is beloved by many because of the budding trees, blossoming flowers, changing weather, and college basketball tournaments.

Around this time, everyone (well, almost everyone) pulls out brackets to predict who will win the tournament and be crowned National Champion.

Churches, workplaces, families, and friends create pools for bragging rights—and sometimes even prizes!

The reality is, most of us don’t really know what we’re talking about. We haven’t watched every game all season. We only follow our one team. No one on the East Coast really knows much about the West Coast teams. I mean, who’s staying up to watch Colorado State and San Diego State?

Yet somehow, we act like experts—debating who deserves a spot in the tournament and who doesn’t.

This time of year, and the tournament in general, remind me of something my friend and mentor Ted James recently said about the Church: 
“[It] is the only place where someone who seemingly has nothing to offer comes forward to say, ‘Can I be part?’”

In most settings, people who seemingly have no talent, no money, and no know-how are quickly dismissed. Think of the little kid who doesn’t get picked for the team because they’re too short, too slow, or just not skilled enough.

Each person is made in the image of God, and Ted’s sentiment captures something special about the Church.

It is a place where everyone belongs. A place where people find value and worth—not because of their possessions or degrees, but because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection from the tomb. His love gives us value.

Sadly, the church (notice the little “c” here)—local bodies of believers—has not always lived out this message. Too often, we bow to those with big pocketbooks instead of to the King of Kings. We ignore the hurting. We soften the message so we don’t offend anyone.

But Jesus says in Matthew 10:29-31:
“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” (ESV)

The truth is, the Church—and churches—should be the places that immediately welcome those who feel like they have nothing to offer, building them up, encouraging them, and helping them discover their worth. They are valuable. They do belong. They do have something to offer.

This message isn’t just about “them.” 
It’s about YOU.


You have worth.


You have value.


You do belong.


YOU have something to offer.


Jesus loves YOU.


Jesus died for YOU.


Jesus rose for YOU.

YOU are worth it to HIM!

Anyway, I was just thinking…