Having to switch churches over and over again due to moving around so much is even tougher.
I grew up going to the same church my entire life. I got to know the people VERY well, and quite honestly if it wasn't for my youth group- I would not be the person I am today. I had a very strong support of people behind me, and for that I am very thankful.
Once I moved to a new city for university, I found it very difficult to find a new church. I honestly did not know what to look for, and every church I went to I found difficult to get involved. I love serving in whatever capacity I can help in, but for me I tend to take a while to open up to people fully (and Wes even more so in most cases). I tried to get involved with community groups, but I felt lost in the crowd and nobody felt the need to leave their comfort zone to welcome the new people.
Whenever I was asked what my 'home church' was, I really had no idea what to say.
Over the years, we have been in and out of churches (sometimes due to it not feeling like the right fit for our family, but more often than not due to moving to a new city).
For some people, this may not be a big deal, but for myself- growing up so involved with the church and knowing I had that family behind me to help me in my relationship with God- it was a big deal. Though I have met people at other churches in this time that have encouraged and supported my spiritual walk, I felt as though I wasn't were I was meant to be.
A year and a half ago, we started attending a new church. At first we weren't sure if this was the church God wanted us to be at, but we decided to give it a few more tries. One of the things that kept us going again is on the first day we were there, we actually had somebody take the time to introduce themselves and show us around the church. Usually with the kids, and the new atmosphere, we are gone after the service within a few minutes. Somebody took the time to talk to us and welcome us (and not just from the pulpit).
Over this time, I finally started to feel more at home in a church- a feeling I really haven't felt for over 6 years. Slowly, I have made friends that have encouraged me on my walk with God (whether they are aware of it or not). I am thankful for those people who welcomed me and have gotten to know my family and I. Though they may not realize the difference they are making- by introducing themselves to newcomers to the church- they have had a large impact on my life. I truly feel blessed to have a church I can call my 'home church' once again.
1 Corinthians 12:27
Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it
