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Visiting Churches

Reflecting on Church #22: Affirming One Another

A Public Sharing Time

With our journey of visiting fifty-two churches over, I can reflect more on the complete experience. Today, I’ll add to my thoughts about Church #22.

During the public sharing time that wrapped up the message at church, one of the members stands up to celebrate a person I know.

Several decades ago my friend made a lasting impact on this person while she taught Sunday school.

52 Churches: A Yearlong Journey Encountering God, His Church, and Our Common Faith

Affirmed as offering acceptance, giving understanding, and providing much needed guidance, my friend forever changed this person’s life. I’m not at all surprised to hear this.

A few months later, at church #52, I see my friend and share this with her. Her eyes mist over with joy. Her lip trembles.

Then my eyes grow misty as well. “And this is nothing,” I assure her. “When we get to heaven, we’re going to hear all kinds of stories like this.”

She nods and smiles in acknowledgment.

This is what affirming one another is like. One woman publicly affirmed my friend. Later I was able to affirm my friend, offering her encouragement.

This is how church should be and what church family is all about. Among other things, we should excel in affirming one another.

[See my reflections about Church #21 and Church #23 or start with Church #1.]

My wife and I visited a different Christian Church every Sunday for a year. This is our story. Get your copy of 52 Churches today, available in ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook.

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

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