In my church; we were declining in membership.
The youth were moving away after growing up; the neighbor racial ratio changing. We heard of a black congregation that was meeting in a strip store, but wanting their own building.
Discussion were made, and agreements arrived at.
So now we have a black congregation attending; as well as a Hispanic one; too.
Things are working out ok; as we meet at different times and buildings.
We lost a few folks who felt uncomfortable, but strangely; the black church lost a few folks as well.
One of the reasons: “It feels like Mayberry there.”
I had to laugh, but soon realized what was being said.
We’re all apprehensive of those who are different from ourselves.
As Martha says, “It’s a good thing.”
Interesting. I was positing that maybe there are more churches than we realize that are preaching things they shouldn’t be. Like Jeremiah Wright or worse.