When I was young the denominational missionary magazine was entitled “Other Sheep” which is taken from the words of Jesus John 10: 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father, and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.

Today I find myself 1000 miles from where I live at least for the next couple of months. Susanne had surgery at a cancer center near where we will live in Florida. She is recuperating and gets a little better each day. In a few days, we travel back home. This morning after having breakfast and reading Scripture and from a devotional book, with Susanne’s permission I decided to visit a local church for worship. She watched a couple of services online and I decided to go to a local church. The one thing that was important is that it had to be close so that I could get back and not leave her alone for very long.

My wife and I have attended the same kind of church all of our lives. My post-high school degrees have been from colleges of my tribe. I have worked for the global ministry center and am now a District Superintendent with the same group. Talk about being a “one-trick pony”. The Church of the Nazarene is all I know!

I went to a church that was of a different variety, not too far removed, and doctrinally similar but some differences. I wanted to go to a live worship service and I wanted to be close by the house. I looked on the internet and figured this was the one to try. I decided to spend an hour hanging out with some of the other sheep!

My observations:

  • The worship was fairly similiar to what I experience weekly.
  • The demographics were nearly the same as the churches I oversee.
  • My church does not have a corner on smaller congregations.
  • They were friendly (it is hard to hide with less than 100 in attendance)
  • The people was sincere. From the announcements, music and general warmth extended.
  • The pastor preached an excellent message. I would have been thrilled to hear her sermon in any of our churches!
  • There is more good going on than I usually recognize
  • There really are other sheep! I mean there really are!

Interesting connections:

  • The pastor lives in the same subdivision we do!
  • She told me she learned to play the guitar in one of our churches in her country!
  • I actually worshipped, and please don’t spread this around, I really truly enjoyed myself.

Okay, Blake what is your point?

If we are going to make a difference in our nation today, we need a more united front and we should look for ways to cooperate with other beleivers. I am thankful for brother and sisters in other churches and for their faithful witness. Today I worshipped in a facility that many faithful people down through the years made possible. l listened to pastor who answered the call and prepared and is now serving God through this local church. Today I was a one of the other sheep who was made to feel welcome and was minstered to and I today I received a definte blessing from God. Though I am in church and board meetings a lot, today I needed to worship and to be ministered to by others. It was just what I needed. Remember every week someone may walk in and need just exactly what the Lord has laid on your heart. Be encouraged! God is using you!

3 Thoughts to “Other Sheep”

  1. Beth Burris

    This is the second time today that I’ve been reminded of God’s faithfulness to His children. Praying for you and your dear wife. I so enjoyed singing in the choir with her at 1st Church several years ago. Hoping songs of comfort and strength come to both of your minds as you journey this time.

    1. Beth

      Thank you for your very kind words. She is still in pain but making progress. Your prayers are greatly appreciated.

  2. Randy

    Excellent! I have been saying for years that we are not “it,” but we are a part of “IT.” We all need each other and if we don’t show a united front against the enemies of the truth, we will be doomed to battle with only a small portion of our arsenal. Hope your dear lady continues to progress to full health once again!

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