“we go to First Baptist Church”

I had one of those “Uh-oh, I think I’m in trouble experiences” in the lobby after worship. A couple came up to me and the first words out of their mouths were “We go to First Baptist Church!” A part of me wanted to respond back just as emphatically “Why aren’t you there then?” but I refrained. I just said “Well, I’m glad you’re here with us at Journey” and I did mean it. Then they said “Our young adult daughter doesn’t like coming to our church, and she’s dating a boy we can’t get to come to our church. We asked around in the community about where we could find where they might go, and we were told Journey. It’s not for us (again said emphatically) but they loved it.” I whispered a silent prayer “Thank you, Jesus.”

what’s the code?

A first time guest in worship came up to me in the theater lobby. She said she really enjoyed the service, but she had a question. She knew I was reading from the Bible when it was shown on the screen, but she didn’t know what “the code” was at the bottom. It dawned on me she was referring to the reference and translation information. I love that people at Journey can honestly ask questions without the slightest concern of being made to feel uncomfortable.