PT2
It's surprising how much nostalgia I felt walking back into this church today. It’s a strange feeling. This was the first Black megachurch I ever attended, and that was almost 12 years ago. Coming from a small town in Virginia (nope, I’m not a Georgia native 🤷🏾♂️), I was used to the church of my childhood—the church with a few hundred members, where everyone knew everyone and people genuinely did life together.
One thing I still love is a warm church welcome. I think people underestimate the power of a smile, a handshake, and a sincere "glad you're here." Scripture tells us to "welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you" (Romans 15:7). A simple act of kindness can make someone feel seen, valued, and loved. On the other hand, indifference can make a visitor feel like they’re interrupting something instead of being invited into the family of God. 😂
Today's sermon was powerful... POWERFUL, powerful, POWERFUL. The Word was preached with conviction, and it reminded me why Scripture says that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17). There is something special about sitting under sound teaching that challenges, encourages, and strengthens your walk with Christ.
I've never been interested in rumors, gossip, or unproven church scandals. The Bible warns us against bearing false witness and entertaining accusations without proper evidence. If something cannot be clearly established, I try not to allow it to take root in my heart. As for Bishop Eddie Long, I never personally felt anything negative in my spirit regarding him. My only hesitation has always been that I've never been particularly attached to titles. I care more about the fruit than the title.
Back then, I lived in Newnan, Union City, or Johns Creek depending on the season of life, and this church felt like too far of a drive. Now that I live in Conyers, it's practically around the corner. Funny how God changes our circumstances and sometimes brings us back to places we never expected to revisit.
Yes, I'm still a member of World Changers International Church, but I'm taking a short break while preparing to begin teaching children. I'm excited about the opportunity to serve and pour into the next generation.
And no, that's not my house. 😂 I work at Havertys Furniture and am scheduled to work on Sundays, but they've graciously allowed me to attend church. In return, I do my best not to take advantage of that favor. Faithfulness matters, whether in ministry or in the workplace.
One thing I'm especially excited about is getting my first Study Bible. Trying to read it like a regular book was wearing me out! 🤦🏾♂️ But I'm learning that studying God's Word is different from simply reading it. The more I dig into Scripture, the more I realize there is always something new to learn, and that's a journey I'm grateful to be on.
Visiting a church with such a rich history like New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, founded in 1984, offers more than just a worship experience—it connects you deeply with a community bound by faith and shared journeys. Having experienced this first Black megachurch over a decade ago, I can relate to the unique blend of tradition and large community dynamics that make such churches both inspiring and challenging. One thing that stands out to me personally is the significance of hospitality in a church setting. The simple acts of greeting with a smile or a handshake are transformative moments that echo the biblical call to "welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you" (Romans 15:7). Such gestures foster belonging and make the church a spiritual home rather than just a place of worship. Attending powerful sermons where the Word is preached with conviction deeply affects faith. Romans 10:17 emphasizes that faith comes by hearing the message, and hearing by the Word of God. I’ve found that sermons reinforcing and challenging my walk with Christ invigorate my spiritual journey, offering new perspectives and renewed encouragement. It's also important to navigate the Christian community with grace regarding rumors or unverified accusations. The emphasis on truth and evidence is crucial for a healthy community that honors Christ’s teachings. Personal experiences with respected church leaders such as Bishop Eddie Long remind me to look beyond titles and focus on the fruits of their ministry. Adjusting to life's seasons, like moving from Newnan or Johns Creek to Conyers, can unexpectedly bring us back to spiritual places previously considered distant. It’s a reminder of how faith communities can be anchors amidst change. Preparation to teach children has brought a fresh passion for ministry, highlighting the importance of investing in future generations. Balancing work and church commitments, like being allowed by my employer to attend Sunday service, reinforces the principle that faithfulness extends beyond the pulpit into everyday responsibilities. Lastly, embracing the discipline of studying the Bible rather than just reading it straight through has transformed my spiritual growth. A Study Bible helps unravel the depth and layers of Scripture, making it an ongoing journey of discovery, wisdom, and spiritual maturity. If you are looking to deepen your church experience, engage actively with your faith community, and enrich your study of Scripture, these reflections on New Birth Missionary Baptist Church’s vibrant life can inspire your walk with Christ.
