I have learned through the years that my way of thinking is often different than other people’s way of thinking. It is not a matter of right and wrong; just a matter of interpretation and God’s leading in our own field of ministry.

For many, their idea of Christian ministry is attending a local church and being involved in various programs. Others may attend their local church and be involved in various programs AND ministries. And then, there are those where I am that do believe in attending a local church when you can for the renewal of fellowship, but feel a stronger need to be in the community. Being where the people are who need to know Christ.

Meeting their needs; whatever they are. Perhaps it is clothing or food, perhaps it is playing ball with a group of kids and adults in a low-income housing part of Atlanta. Maybe you can help tutor or mentor students or help people find jobs and learn computer skills. Maybe someone needs a lift to the grocery store or doctor or lawyer because they have no transportation … and you do. OR, maybe it is something like attending and supporting a church that meets in a bar with people who simply are not comfortable in a steepled building with fancy people in nice clothes surrounded by paintings and huge banners and light shows where they don’t know the music and feel very out of place. They do not know the Jesus that people speak of, but no one explains it in words that they understand. Maybe you let out a curse word and people in the church look at you as if you are immediately going to Hell.

I have been in churches like these and now avoid them like the plague. I cannot worship where I feel people would be judged for coming “as they are.” I would rather worship where people are welcomed and received with open arms and understandable words. Where they do not feel out of place because of their appearance and diction and because they might have a smudge of dirt on their face.

One of the most influential ladies I know taught me about meeting people in their homes, yards, and neighborhoods. Her name is Mrs. Frances West, and she loves all people of all races and ethnicities and dialects. She had a career with her husband as missionaries to Africa and God brought her home, I believe, simply to teach a young man doing an internship from his university that God is a social ministry God as well as a reach the church people God. I learned from Mrs. West that we should “build bridges with other people so that someday Jesus can walk across.” I learned that we need to feed the hungry people in our communities before we can talk about the God who supplies all our needs. We need to love on and protect the abused and neglected children before we can tell them that God is like a loving Father. They only know a father who beats and abuses them. Build the bridge with love . . . slowly and tenderly.

You will meet the most real people outside the church buildings. Unfortunately, we cannot see them through the stained-glass windows, but we can see them clearly through the windows of a bar. Or a community center. Or across a pickup game of basketball on a random court. Or like my friend Michael who has a basketball church in some sketchy neighborhoods in downtown Atlanta and gives away his shoes and coat if one of the guys need them. That, my friends, is church. And, in my opinion, the church that Jesus approves of.

There is so much more I could say, but that will be for another time. Just search your hearts and find your spot in God’s service. It may be uncomfortable at first, but I promise the rewards will far surpass.

And for today my friends, this has been the gospel according to Jimmy.

Jimmy Cochran is a resident of McDonough, a musician, a minister and the author of Being God’s and Staying God’s, both available at Amazon.com. Being God’s is also available at Moye’s Pharmacy in McDonough.