it can happen...

For three years now, our church has had a men's softball team in the city softball league here in Quincy. Not only have we gotten better at softball, we're actually making an impact on the community around us. Over the last three years, I've really pushed our guys to take very seriously our call to be the example of Christ while we play softball. We play hard and play to win--otherwise why play right?--but we also make sure that we're different in words and action. We compliment each other. We compliment the other team. We NEVER argue with umpires. We ask they city if we can help with anything. Most of all, we go out of our way to introduce ourselves to players on other teams. It may have taken awhile, but we've made a dent in the lives of people out there. People respect us for playing with integrity, and people know that you can be good at something without having an ego and being a jerk. The best part about this softball thing happened Sunday when I looked out in the crowd from my drum set during our service. My buddy Brodrick was in the crowd. Sportin' a stylin' suit and a big smile, I saw a guy that would never have walked into our church had we not met at the softball complex over the last few years. It's a pretty simple process. Find places to meet people in your community. Live with character in everyday life. Invite them to come to church with you. You might be suprised how people are willing to respond to authenticity and an invitation.