A Place to Belong
It’s Monday night and people are filing through the side door of the gym. A man in a baseball cap greets people as they finish setting up the courts. As the matches begin, laughter and the succinct pop of player’s serves and returns echo through the gym. It may seem like any other group playing pickleball, but the players at HP Pres have built a cherished community where all are welcome. Bobby, a leader and coach in the group shares, “We have people of all ages and backgrounds coming together. It’s really a fun way for people to get connected to the church.”
Although something simple like pickleball may not seem like a great spiritual practice, it offers people a gentle first step through the doors of the church. Over the past few years, Bobby has seen people, who may never have sought out church before, make connections with Christ-followers time and time again. He shares, “We have people come all the time who are invited by a friend of a friend. We all gotta have a place where we feel like we belong and it’s great to see new people find that here.”
Proverbs 27:17 teaches us, “as iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” God designed us to live in community with one another, so who we become is shaped by the deep connections we make throughout our lives. Someone from church praying with you on a hard day, a friend offering a listening ear when you are wrestling with a problem, a mentor challenging you to take the next step in your faith when you feel stagnant – all these little moments of community add up over time.
We are made to know and be known by others, but deep fellowship doesn’t happen overnight. It takes consistency and intentionality to build relationships with people that will last. The Monday night pickleball group is just one example of how fellowship can start as something simple and grow into deep connection with others. Sometimes all it takes is an invitation to bring people closer to Christ and his followers. Take a moment to consider how you can be more intentional about inviting people into your walk with Christ this week.
We’d love to spend some time in fun and fellowship with you! Grab a friend and join us Monday nights for Pickleball at 6 pm in the Gym.
