"I love my church family." That is the statement a PBC member shouted to me across the church parking lot Sunday afternoon. It's the kind of statement that preachers love to hear, especially when it bursts forth spontaneously. That is when you know that it is from the heart. However, what really surprised me was not the statement, but the timing. You see, I was just thinking of how blessed I am to have such a wonderful church family.

Allow me to share with you the events leading up to this parking lot praise. Friday and Saturday nights were the culmination of many believer's hard work. Working toward and presenting this years Christmas program was a far greater blessing to those involved than for those who came out to watch the program. That is not to say that it wasn't  wonderful. I've heard many testimonies from those who came out about how much they enjoyed it, how it was a blessing to them, and that it helped them refocus on the real meaning of Christmas. But, for those who participated in the program there was a sense of satisfied accomplishment that only comes when God's people come together to honor Him through the use of their gifts. Those involved had a good time growing closer to one another. That is what family is supposed to do. 

The next morning we had an almost capacity crowd in worship. When the sanctuary is full of God's people who are ready to worship Him there is an exciting energy. We praised the Lord together, gave together, focused on His word together, sang together, laughed together, and even had a spontaneous testimony shared. Many of us came away from that service feeling encouraged and blessed. That is the way it is suppose to be when the family of God is together.     

That afternoon many PBC family members found themselves fellowshipping together at the Christmas parade. I counted at least 8 floats that had PBC members on them. There is something about gathering as family members off of the church property that is exciting and refreshing. Everyone was relaxed, happy, and enjoying one another. That is the way it is supposed to be when the family gets together.

After the parade several family members gathered in the sanctuary. We came together to have a time of prayer for the Norris family as Todd and Cheryl were about to go to the Ukraine in order to adopt a new member of the family. Our time of prayer became a time of praise for what God is going to do in the Norris family through their obedience to His leading.

It was after this time of using gifts together, worshipping together, fellowshipping together, supporting and encouraging one another that lead to the spontaneous parking lot praise where someone felt lead to say aloud, "I love my church family." I hope and pray that you and your family will be involved in PBC family life at a high level. That is the only way to get all the benefits that God offers us in the Body of Christ.

If you love your PBC church family please post your comments as to why. In doing so you will be a blessing to the rest of us. That is just one more thing that family is suppose to do.