It's What We Crave

I love White Castle.

I love the food. I speak the name “slider” with respect. It's not politically correct food. It's not environmentally friendly or featured on the “hottest bistros” list. It's just simply good.

I love the nick-names. Whitie Castellos, and W. C. Lounge are two of my favorites. They tell all you need to know.

I love the décor which really hasn't changed much in my lifetime.

I love the smell. I'm not sure what the smell is but it always makes me hungry.

Most of all I love the people who frequent White Castle. They're my kind of folks. Nobody's there to be seen. No one rolls up in a luxury car. They wear work clothes and boots, dirty caps and overalls. When I walk into my local establishment I feel a connection with the others. We're brethren linked by something as simple as a hamburger. I get a lump in my throat knowing that they would stand up for me simply because of a common passion.

I think the small membership congregation is a lot like White Castle.

What's served up is not politically correct or environmentally friendly. It's not listed on the ten hottest churches list (yes, there is such a thing). The food the small church serves is just simply good. It's doctrinal and sound. It doesn't itch ears or play around the edges with the truth.

The small churches of our country cling to the old names like Baptist, Methodist and Presbyterian. When I say, “Let's go to Whities,” you know exactly what you're going to get. It's the same for the small church – brand is still important.

Décor in most small churches hasn't changed much over time. Why should it? Will new high tech sound equipment, modular seating, cup holders, and track lighting make the gospel any more true? Sometimes we just spend money to make ourselves feel better not because it will improve ministry.

Do you smell that? It's coming from the fellowship hall. That's Aunt June's fried apple pies. Let the fellowship fill your senses. It's not about the food but what happens before, during and after the meals – a sense of community.

The members of the small church are there not to be seen but to worship. No one comes in with expectations of a major social event. These folks aren't looking for the new and flashy, market-driven, poll tested program. They are there because they belong. They are members. They've made a commitment to their church. That commitment doesn't come and go like the seasons. It's a commitment that is born of conviction and calling.

I love the small church.

Stay strong!