When we first visited Rockdale, I was immediatly in love. It is a smallish Reformed Baptist Community Church, located in Conyers. I had been invited by one of the ladies that take my Zumba classes. (LOve you Bekah!)I felt so welcome and right at home from the very start. It was such a relief to find somewhere so quickly after we moved here. We went to 8 or 9 churches in AZ, and still never found a church home.
Of course, since our first visit, I have had my moments of doubt. For as you know no matter what body I am a part of, it is made up of saints that sin, and will not be perfect. And the longer you attend somewhere, the more likely you will see the weaknesses of that particular body.
My first struggle was one with labels. I hate labels. Period. What more can I say?? I only want to be labeled "lover of Jesus" or "Christ follower". But I've come to realize that labels can be a sort of protection. Keeping truth true, and untruth out. So, although I do not call myself a Calvanist, a Baptist, or a Reformed Theologist. I can associate myself with a body that does, and feel quite at ease with almost a hundred percent of their theology. And actually most everyone that attends Rockdale, feels the same way about labels as I do, and doesn't necessarily label themselves either.
My second struggle was, with the future, when Echo would be joining us for church. If any of you have met my "energetic" son, you will immediately understand my fears and anxieties. Echo is unlike any other boy I've ever been around. I've seen some come close, but I think he takes the cake on curiosity mixed with creativity, mixed with determination and physical ability. Anyways, I've decided to just cross that bridge when we get to it. A lot can change in a year. Right??
Let's talk about why I love this place and these people. They may not be perfect, but they love each other, and it is obvious. They pray for each other, come up under each other, practice the "one anothers" throughout the rest of the week, spend time together, and provide for each others spiritual and practical needs. The welcome that they extend to guests is unmatched! Although they are a tight knit group,however, it is not a closed tight knit group. There is always room in their hearts and congregation for more!!
There is an hour of Sunday School before the Regular service. I've never attended any Sunday School at a Christian church before, and it is intimate, Bible teaching, interesting, fun, thought provoking, and bond building. The kids attend their own Sunday School during this hour, and they are really learning God's Word. They have fun, but that isn't what it's focus is. The focus is on God and the Good News of the Gospel.
Church starts with worship. It is a great mix of classic and beautiful hymns, and contemporary Christian music. It is Spirit filled and somewhat quiet. I actually prefer a little more outward show of worship. But nonetheless I enjoy the sincerity and beauty of our corporate worship time.
We then have corporate prayer. I have been to many many churches. And this is almost never a part of Sunday Services. Anyone that wants to pray, confess, adore, ask the LORD is welcome to. Usually at a Bible study, or church very little time is spent in actual prayer. It is almost an after thought, or rushed through at the beginning. A praying church is a powerful church.
Then for a Bible teaching, thorough, well planned but not rehearsed sounding, convicting, encouraging, not a mere 28 minutes long, more like an hour, and sincere. Our kids sit with us (Blaze and Shade do, while Echo and Lock are in extended service). All of us are growing so much in the LORD, and it astounds me how much the girls are getting out of it.
Every Sunday we take communion. I love taking Communion every Sunday. It doesn't get old for me. I need to remember. Remember Jesus' sacrifice for me. Remember the forgiveness and redemption found at the cross. Remember the competed work and the power of the resurrection. How could that get old?
Rockdale doesn't pass around an offering or make a mention of money ever, that I have heard. There is an offering box in the foyer that you can give if you feel led, and how you feel led. They don't seem to have any financial struggles, and they are not in debt. The pastor actually had a full time paying job for most of his time in his position, and wasn't even paid. I know this is a huge testimony to many that think churches only care about getting at your wallet. I've never felt this way, but I still think this is a wonderful approach to handling money and church.
They are about to launch small groups soon, and I am really excited to get involved in a small group, and to get to know more people at the church. These groups will last about six weeks, and then rotate, which will avoid the whole cliquish feeling that small groups can incur. Also, more people will get the opportunity to know each other every new rotation.
Well, as I write this, I'm looking forward to tonight. But I'm looking even more forward to when John, the kids and I stand in front of all those smiling and loving faces, and make our commitment to them and them to us. It is like being grafted into a huge family. A huge, wonderful, loving, imperfect, beautiful mess of a family....
"If Jesus thought the church worth dying for, it may just be worth living in." Mark Galli
