I’ll be the first to admit that my experience with Church hasn’t always been glorious. There have been some painful memories, such as the time my Dad left the church I grew up in because of hurtful circumstances. Or the time John and I decided to get married, but neither of our churches were willing to perform the ceremony because we were from different ‘religious’ backgrounds. Even since planting Relate Church, there have been some trying times when all I wanted to do was run and live on a deserted island for a day or two, but I’m forever grateful that I stayed. I’m grateful that I grew and invested because now my life is immensely rich and blessed because of it.
Church is like family to me. Although we occasionally walk through hard times, it is a place to belong, to be nurtured and to grow in all that God has called and designed us to be. On this side of eternity, our lives will never be perfect because humanity is complicated and messy. But even in the midst of this, there is growth. There is still love and there is a place that’s uniquely designed for you.
I am who I am today because I planted my life, my whole heart and being in the beautiful House of God. I love how the Psalms speak of being planted in God’s family and in His House.
“The righteous will flourish like the date palm - long-lived, upright and useful; they will grow like a cedar in Lebanon -majestic and stable. Planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. Growing in grace they will still thrive and bear fruit and prosper in old age; they will flourish and be vital and fresh -rich in trust and love and contentment…they are living memorials to declare that the Lord is upright and faithful to His promises; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.” (Psalms 92:12-15 Amplified)
There is no other place on earth that has the capacity to create this rich and bountiful life. Church, family, and the gathering of God’s household is truly the hope of this fragmented and hurting world.
Everyone has the capacity to thrive in any atmosphere where they are loved and accepted. True confidence and strength grows when people know they belong. It grows when they have the opportunity to plant their feet in a place where Heaven’s culture is displayed on earth. Where prayers are prayed and answered. Where the lost encounter a Saviour and find home. Where friendships are forged, grow and flourish.
Who do you know that needs to find home, a place of belonging and planting? Aren’t you so glad that someone invited you? Who can you reach out to today and help them find home - sweet, ‘imperfect-yet-magnificent’ HOME?
Helen Burns
Senior Pastor
