I was recently presented with an opportunity to take a class at a local gym. I didn't jump at the chance. Not because I don't think physical fitness isn't important or I don't like gyms. I've gone to gyms before. It was because it was a class. The thought of signing up for a class with other people to do something I wasn't familiar with really intimidated me.

As much as I tried to overcome the thought of me looking like a total fool or everyone laughing at me I really couldn't. Full disclosure: I had an embarrassing situation happen in the fifth grade at a new school in the gymnasium. And without question, that event plays a huge role in my issue with the class at the gym.

Here was my dilemma: I really wanted to go to this class but I couldn't seem to overcome my issues and fears. As I thought about it more I couldn't help but think that my issue with the class at the gym was probably similar to many people's issue with church.

My fear was unfounded. In my mind it was going to be a reliving of my fifth grade experience. I had no proof that was going to happen. In fact, my rational side told me it wasn't going to happen. Many people have preconceived notions or fears about what will happen when they walk in to the church building. Will they make me read out loud? What if I can't find the book of Nahum fast enough? What if they ask me to stand up in front of everyone and introduce myself? What if I can't find a seat or take someone else's seat or go in the wrong door?

My fear was powerful. I consider myself to be a pretty grounded and disciplined person. I try to not let myself get carried away with feelings or emotions. Yet in this instance my fears were driving the car. This speaks to the depth of the hurt and the height of the embarrassment I experienced long ago and how I've carried that with me. Many people have had a bad experience at a church before and that can affect them greatly moving forward. The fear for them is bigger than the advantage of actually going in.

My fear could be overcome. Of course, with Jesus all things are possible. But beyond that, what if the gym had a video testimony on their website/Facebook page of someone that had a similar fear as mine and they "proved" to me that my fears were unreal? What if the gym had a "What you can expect" section with pictures of workouts, a map of the gym so I knew exactly where to go. I am convinced that if I had those things available to me I would feel so much more at ease and would be more inclined to go. Further, I believe that if those fears are overcome and personally proven false by experience, I would have a stronger bond with that gym than any other.

What do we do with this information? As we share with others through the week, remember that their reluctance to a church invitation may be rooted in fear of the unknown. It may be covered up with other things because very few people want to talk about fears to other people. Continue to love them and attempt to quell the fears of the unknown by personal testimony.

Let's reach Joplin together!

Family  Update  4128  S  Connecticut  Ave*Joplin,  MO  64804  

www.firstjoplin.org    

 Deacons  of  the  Week:  April  2-­‐8     Mitch  Stinnett     850-­‐3568       David  Bennett     437-­‐0776  April  9-­‐15     José  DeHoyos              210-­‐315-­‐9991       Leon  Shumaker   781-­‐4757    

April  4,  2018  

 

  Last  Sunday  

Attendance    Early  Service   156   2Home  

Morning  Worship                      390          

Refunds/Designated  Annie  Armstrong   3,500.00  

                               

 

We will have Saturday Worship Services during the month of April that will duplicate our Sunday

morning service. They start THIS SATURDAY at 6 pm. Contact Jamie@firsjoplin.org

to find out more.

Tithes  &  Offerings  Budget  Receipts  this  week   18,034.50  

YTD  Receipts   193,377.97  YTD  Budget   154,441.83  

Bldg  Fund  Received  this  week   1,702.50  Annie  Armstrong  Total  

Received  5,435.00  

     

Ladies, if you are interested in hosting a table for this year’s Festival of Tables on May 5, check in with Andrea Buntin this Sunday. The theme this year is, “Then Sings my Soul,” and will feature worship of both hymns and modern praise music. We will also hear from Maggie Schade, from the SWMO Anti Human Trafficking Coalition. Tickets will go on sale soon.

We are hiring in the Nursery department! We would love to get your recommendations for

nursery workers. Please pass the word along to all you know! Job descriptions and applications

are available at the Welcome Center and Children’s Check in Desk.

Join us Sunday, April 22 for a bridal shower for Logan Whitehead at 3:00 in the East Room on the second floor. Logan and Kyle are registered at Target.

Don’t  forget  our  BUILDING  DEDICATION  THIS  SUNDAY  after  morning  worship!  

Our  next  Quarterly  Business  Meeting  will  be  Sunday,  April  22  at  6  pm  in  the  East  Room.