Easter is for everyone!
By Pastor Chuck Compton

The Easter season has an element of self preparation, self reflection, and self renewal, but it is much more than just for self. In John 3:16, scripture tells us that God sent His Son that whosoever believes in him would have everlasting life. "Whosoever" is not limited by race, money, talent, friends, or family. "Whosoever" is only limited by "Whosoever" puts their life trust in Jesus Christ. Who are you inviting to participate in the resurrection power of Easter? I was reading a group of mission stories recently, and the following story caught my eye.

On Wednesday nights, 7-10 homeless men gather together at North Avenue Presbyterian Church. They gather to study scripture with an elder of the church. North Avenue is located in the heart of midtown Atlanta. The membership alone represents 28 countries, creating an intercultural, intergenerational, and inter-economic family. The homeless men who comprise the small group are not people the church serves- they are the church, growing as disciples and serving others.

Not long ago, the mayor of Atlanta, Shirley Franklin, revamped the city's approach to serving the homeless. 24/7 Gateway opened, a single center that seeks to coordinate and maximize all care and service to the homeless. All churches, notfor profits, charities, and government agencies work together through the Gateway to serve the poor. North Avenue Presbyterian received an invitation from Mayor Franklin to provide pastoral services to the center. North Avenue responded with joy, endowing an urban chaplain. Together the congregation and the chaplain provide a regular Sunday morning service at the center.

Homeless men and women are regular worshipers at North Avenue. And when disciples board a bus from North Avenue to lead and participate in the worship service at the Gateway Center, homeless men and women board the bus. They travel together as a family, and return back to North Avenue together. Whether it is bagging lunches to share with guests at the Gateway Center on Sundays or studying scripture, North Avenue does it together. Pastor Scott Weimer remarks, "The homeless are part of our church family, working together to share food and resources in service of the broader homeless community."

Easter begs the question, "Who are we willing to invite in to share in the service of Jesus Christ?" The above story focuses on the resulting ministry of a lot of work, time, and money put in by those in the leadership of North Avenue Presbyterian Church. When I say leadership, I am not just referring to the pastor and elders. It included, all of the people at North Avenue who have a vision for serving Jesus Christ in midtown Atlanta and are willing to work toward that vision. What is your vision for serving Jesus Christ in your church?

Chuck Compton is pastor of Flora Presbyterian Church.