Snow Days and Scuba Diving

Happy Monday to our CFC Family;

As kids ‘Snow Days’ from school were always fun. For the entire day, an unplanned play-day was suddenly thrust upon you. You were “livin the dream,” enjoying a moment that just hours earlier, you thought that it was just going to be another boring school day.

This past Sunday, CFC unfortunately had its own unscheduled “Snow Day” because of the weather. And although it is always nice to have those unexpected moments when you can spend time at home with family, there is something to be said for the rhythm of gathering together for church. When that rhythm is disrupted, it can leave a sense of being a little out of sync spiritually.

Following the COVID-19 lockdowns a few years ago, psychologists coined a term to describe the anxiety many people experienced when returning to work after being at home for so long. It was called “re-entry anxiety.” The fear of having to step back into the real world after extended isolation.

Biologically, we were never created to be separated from other people for long periods of time. While some people genuinely enjoy solitude, even the most committed “hermit” would agree that at some point, interaction with others becomes necessary. God designed us that way.

As believers, interaction with the body of Christ is vital for spiritual growth. The truth is, we do not grow deeper in our walk with Jesus by remaining alone. Scripture tells us in Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

Growth happens in community.

Even as the pastor of CFC, I need the church body to continue growing in my own walk with Jesus. This is one reason the enemy works so hard to separate us from one another. When we are isolated, negativity and worldly thinking become louder—and often more convincing. That is why Scripture urges us in Hebrews 10:24-25; “Let us not neglect meeting together… but encourage one another.”

One report I came across stated that about 16% of Christians who regularly attended church before the COVID pandemic no longer attend at all. Many became comfortable staying home and slowly drifted into a sense of complacency, telling themselves, “Going to church isn’t what makes you a Christian—it’s what’s on the inside that really matters.” While faith certainly begins in the heart, Scripture reminds us that faith grows through action and obedience which most times happens with other people. (James 2:17).

Many years ago, shortly after Lenise and I were married, I got into scuba diving. I loved the ocean and even had the opportunity to dive a couple of shipwrecks. Technically, I could say I’ve been a diver for over 30 years now—but the truth is, if I tried to dive today, I would be a danger to myself and to those I was diving with. It has been more than 20 years since I last dove, and I’ve forgotten far more than I remember. A license alone does not make me a skilled or safe diver; consistent practice does.

In the same way, being a believer is more than simply saying, “I am a Christian.” It is about actively living out faith—growing, learning, and sharpening ourselves in community.

Church attendance doesn’t make anyone a Christian, but regular participation in the life of the church helps believers grow in maturity, equips them to serve, and prepares them to reach the world with the gospel. Just as divers must train, sharpen their skills, and follow proper protocols, followers of Jesus grow best when regularly engaging in worship, fellowship, and service. That’s how faith is strengthened and how God can use it most effectively.

For anyone reflecting on their own patterns of church activity, it’s worth considering the value of regular fellowship and growth together as a community of believers. Spiritual maturity happens when believers consistently gather, encourage one another, and are sharpened within the body of Christ. As Matthew 5:16 reminds us: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

And truth is….Light shines brightest when nourished and encouraged in community.

Always remember, snow days were fun, but thankfully they didn’t happen every day—or probably none of us would have gotten very far in life!! 😊

Question: How does church attendance affect you?

Have a great week, and we’ll see you Sunday at our Baptism Service!

Pastor Dan