by Ron Han
When I first started coming to Living Hope in 2006, I felt like the 15-20 minutes right after service were uncomfortable and awkward. Being new, I wasn't quite sure what to do with myself. Some days I stuck around to look for a familiar face, and some days I just rushed out to my car faster than Pete Carroll left town (sorry Trojans).
It's been about 3 1/2 years since I first visited Living Hope and a lot has changed. I'm more involved, I know more people, and now I feel like the 15-20 minutes right after service are....uncomfortable and awkward. Don't get me wrong, I'm genuinely happy to see people who I don't get to see during the week, and I'm truly grateful for the community that God has blessed me with at Living Hope. Yet, there's something about those few minutes right after service that are incredibly awkward to me.
Trying to get plugged into a new church, or any community, isn't easy. But I can't help but wonder what we can do to make that transition easier for newcomers. I'll always be grateful for those who, probably seeing me standing around looking very awkward, came to chat with me for a few minutes. Talk about an answer to prayer! I hope I can share that blessing with others.
If you're a Living Hope regular, I really encourage you to seek out those who aren't quite as comfortable. You'll be surprised what a relief even a 2 minute conversation can be in those situations. And if you're new to Living Hope and you're standing around after service feeling really awkward, look for me. I'll be the one feeling really awkward too.
Ron
About PR1ME Ministry
- Pastor David Kim
- Walnut, CA, United States
- Being single is a gift from God and can be used greatly for His glory. Oftentimes social pressures may dictate that singleness is to be avoided or remedied, leaving singles feeling out-of-place in a world that is seemingly geared towards couples and marriage. Prime exists to "solidify our identities in Christ" as single adults. 2 Peter 1:3 reads, "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness." According to this passage, we can strengthen our identities in Christ by growing in our knowledge of Him. It is our hope and prayer that this ministry would empower singles to take ownership of their identities in Christ during this unique sate of life.
5 comments:
Thanks for sharing.
I've been going to Living Hope for 2 years and I still feel awkward.
Though I'm surprised to read that you still feel this way, I thank you for this. Sadly, I sprint even faster to my car, nearing on Usain Bolt record-speed.
i'm awkward too. haha. let the awkward ones unite :)
in all seriousness though, thanks for this post, ron. i couldn't agree with you more (although... i have no idea who pete carroll is. haha).
I came to Living Hope in January 2009. I became a member in March (if memory serves correctly). I felt pretty awkward to begin with and even to this day, I still feel awkward. But if you come say hi, I promise I'll say hi back. ;-)
@Sinae: Are you serious?! O_O
Post a Comment