please let us be this kind of church

i recently received a note from a friend. worth sharing as we plant this church...

Loren,

I just had a very heavy but encouraging lunch with a friend. Apparently my friend's daughter recently became pregnant; she is fresh out of high school. She is having a really tough time because she doesn't feel like she can return to the church she was attending for fear of facing harsh judgment. As this guy was pouring his heart out concerning his daugher, my own heart was breaking because I knew her well and I know she's a believer. While we were discussing his daughter's now-interrupted future plans, he leaned over and said to me "She won't go back to that church but do you think we could send her over to you?" By "you," he of course means Ecclesia Clear Lake. My heart really began to swell and I responded positively at his delight. I have her cell # so my fiancee and I will meet up with her as soon as we can call her.

Praise God Loren! This is why we are here, to love the broken down and those who feel like they don't belong in church. Praise God for the church of losers, drop-outs, pregnant teens and sinners! Feel free to share this with the other people involved in this mission because it's truly a blessing.

Master, make us this kind church...