It Takes A Community

A couple years ago my son wanted to play baseball.  I played ball as a kid and so, wanting to be a good Dad, I signed up to coach as well.  I was partnered with another father I barely knew, let’s call him Joe, but he knew I was that strange pastor-guy. We ended up having a hoot.  I loved the time with him.  I think he began to know pastor-guys don’t bite.

For several years a couple in our congregation, who loves hanging out with people who don’t know Christ, brought Joe and his family into their hearts and home.  They knew Joe was no fan of church or anything remotely religious, but that didn’t matter to either.  Trust deepened their friendship and conversation.  Joe’s family was surrounded by friends who loved Jesus and prayed for constantly.

For a number of years in our community a retired man had been instrumental in leading our Vacation Bible School.  He also went weekly to the local public school to host a Bible Club.  Between VBS and the school program he gained the trust of Joe’s kids. And then just before Christmas 2009 this retiree died.  Though they had never met, Joe went with his kids to visit this saint before he passed away.  The whole family was deeply saddened and disturbed.

And then they called me, the baseball coach pastor-guy.  Would I come and talk with their kids about death, eternity, and other questions they didn’t know how to answer?  I went.  We laughed and cried together.  I explained the Good News of Jesus, sought to answer their questions, honoured their doubts and objections, and then left.

And then I got word from their friends in our church.  Joe and his wife had expressed a readiness to further their spiritual journey.  They were even ready to think about going to church!  I haven’t seen them yet on Sunday morning when this baseball coach preaches, but I know Jesus does and I know his people do too and that is proving to be a beautiful thing.