At the end of the service today I was hit hard with this image in my mind.  This is not a big theological idea but just my impression.  Today Tommy Brown filled in for Dr. Brooks.  Tommy did a good job with his message on the doubt that many Christians will deal with in their walk with Christ.  Back to my image.  Today we had a someone come down the aisle to publicly profess their belief in Christ.  This is such a wonderful event when God allows our Church community to grow because of him. God has blessed our congregation!  But what is our response?  Of course we clap, then a few more words are spoken, and then what?  The majority of US, including me, get up turn our back to the stage and walk out?  Is that so bad? Today I was really convicted that it is the wrong picture.  In that moment I could not get past the image of all these people turning their back on a new Christian.  In reality we are all not turning our back on this new person in Christ. However, we should all be rejoicing that God has allowed us to experience this time with a new Christian and don’t you want to welcome them to Tallowood?  This image in my mind definitely got my attention and instead of turning my back I walked to the front to greet this person.  Hopefully in the future the longest line in the Gym will be greeting new Christians not the line waiting to exit.  Just take that extra moment to welcome them to our community.