This past Sunday I was heckled by a homeless person! I experienced something I have never experienced before! I have had people walk off the street and come to worship before and I once had a teenager get up and slam his metal chair down and walk out because he didn’t like what I was saying but I have never had a person verbally respond during the entire sermon.
Here is exactly what happened. We have a group of men in our church that have been burdened to reach out to the homeless community and have begun to build relationships with people living in a tent village in Lilburn and tent village in the Athens area. This past Sunday a man came to church with them from the Athens community. He suffers from an injury to his head that causes “Tourette” type responses. He was excited to be at Church at the Grove and could not contain himself during our worship service and wanted to respond and be a part of what was going on.
Was it a distraction? I can’t lie! Yes! But is it a distraction that we will learn to live with? YES! Here’s why:
We set out over 4 years ago to reach out to those “least likely to go to church” and God has blessed our heart, mission and vision. We will not stop now!
- Everybody’s welcome!
- Nobody’s perfect!
- Anything’s possible through Jesus! Philippians 4:13
Keep Praying, Keep Investing, Keep Inviting!
Thanks again Russ for making our friend Dave welcome! Matthew 25:35-36
Right on preach! You did an exceptional job of informing the body and staying on track.
Blessed is the one who has concern for helpless people.
The Lord will rescue him in times of trouble.
The Lord will protect him and keep him alive.
He will be blessed in the land.
Do not place him at the mercy of his enemies.
The Lord will support him on his sickbed.
You will restore this person to health when he is ill
Psalm 41:1-3
“The homeless heckler” Dave came by the Access Prayer table after church & responded to the famous picture entitled “Grace” that I had set up on the table. He told me that he once had that same picture but had lost everything & had not seen that picture in awhile. He also told me that he had once had a picture of Jesus knocking at the door. It opened up an opportunity for us to talk & he was so excited to be at Church at the Grove. Thanks for making everyone welcome.
I’m w/ you, honey. Keep reachin’ and preachin’. There were folk who “disturbed” some in the crowds when Jesus spoke publicly. Ministry can be messy, but oh to be like JESUS!
I’m so glad to be a part of a church body that loves like Jesus does. What a blessing! Love you guys!
Russ,
I had the priveledge of meeting Dave a week or so ago. He asked if he could come to our church! I said sure, but you’d have to get up really early. He was so excited he promised he’d be waiting in the parking lot near the wooded area where he lives if I’d come get him. He was there when he said he would with two other friends. They bowed out but said maybe next time…
Anyway, all through the service you preached, Dave was filled with joy and excitement. He doesn’t have much in the way of filters, I guess you kinda noticed. Over and over he would hear a point you would make and turn to me. We would lock eyes and smack each others shoulders because he was so excited about the truth of God. On more than one occasion he led the applause that broke out. I admit, I struggled with some feelings of embarrasment for awhile. I know he drew some odd looks and I was right there with him. By the time the service was over I was filled with the sense of scripture that says when you care for the least of these you are caring for Jesus. I was sitting with, walking with, and hugging Jesus in one of his disguises. I cannot express my gratitude, love and appreciation for the love that was shown to my new friend Dave by the entire church. Thank you all so much! Thanks to my buds Chris and Tony who are awesome as we journey together serving Christ.
We’re the flock that the shepard left to save him. It’s the lost sheep we’re after; let those high-dollar country club churches handle the sheep who have a problem with that. Hallelujah!
Absolutely love it!!! None of us are better than the “Homeless Heckler”, we’d like to the we are….but no.