Find a church family that’s right for you

Lately, I have spent a lot of time just listening to people talk about life, politics, family, stress, religion, and trying to remain hopeful through it all. The conclusion I have reached is that all of us are seeking peace.

We seek peace of mind, peace of heart, and peace for our soul. Our journey to finding peace is one of highs and lows, it is one of heartbreak but also one of beauty and excitement. As a Christian minister, I believe that through our faith in God is where we find peace. The hard part is finding faith in God and the harder part is keeping your faith in God.

One thing I have learned on my own journey is that I am not a big fan of religion. Religion has brought so much division; every denomination or church believes that what they practice and preach is the only way. Each church has its own set of rules and traditions and by following those rules and traditions we will find salvation; we will find peace.

I wonder which church is right? Which church or minister has the answers to the mystery of faith? After all my seminary training, all the theological books I’ve read, and just the years of hands-on ministry experience my understanding can be summed up with a quote from the great Don Henley, “The More I Know, The Less I Understand.”

This division among all the churches, denominations, and religious thinking is not helping people find or keep faith. I think we get faith right when we all humble ourselves and look for the good in one another. I think God smiles upon us when we are helping each other and enjoying this precious life we have been given.

Judgment and damnation only cause fear, and fear doesn’t necessarily mean respect. I really think God has great faith in us and what we can do! Again, finding faith is so darn hard, and keeping faith at times seems almost impossible but do not give up.

Find a church family that you can laugh and cry with, surround yourself with good people who believe in you and will walk this journey side by side with you! I don’t have many answers but there is something amazing that happens when we come together as people. Life seems easier, the pain is tempered, and our faith shines! That is when we find peace and from that peace, we experience real joy…at least I think?!?