At home in any
WCG congregation

Find out what is happening in
WCG congregations around the nation.

By Kathi Samuels

WICHITA, Kansas—Do you ever wonder what it might be like to visit a WCG congregation somewhere other than in your hometown? Will you feel comfortable? Or, will the service seem unfamiliar and strange?

Because of job transfers over the past two years, my husband, Seth, and I have visited nearly 20 congregations in more than 10 states, including:
        Seth & Kathi Samuels

Cottonwood, Arizona

Sacramento, California

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Denver, Colorado

Washington, D.C.

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Wichita, Kansas

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

New Orleans, Louisiana

Rochester, Minnesota

Las Vegas, Nevada

Buffalo, New York

Akron, Ohio

Columbus, Ohio

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Houston, Texas

Dallas, Texas

Before opening the sanctuary doors of the church building, school auditorium or private home, I found myself asking the questions: Will I recognize anyone? Will anyone talk to me? Will I know when to stand up for the next song? Will people shout "Amen" or "Hallelujah" at the end of each sentence? And will my hands be the only ones in the air during praise and worship?

To my surprise, I did not dwell on these questions for long. Seth and I were regularly greeted at the door, introduced to others, invited to share a meal, welcomed during the announcements section and befriended by members young and old. We were home.

Each congregation had its own unique gifts. One congregation stands out in its diversity of members and extensive community outreach. Another will be remembered for its fiery youth groups. Many will be thanked for their tremendous missionary contributions, and yet all will be remembered for a determination to spread the gospel and a commitment to unity in Christ.

I believe that our church is growing. Some of the growth is in attendance, and that is exciting to witness. Other growth involves an increase in the number of young people and diverse attendance. Yet most importantly, congregational members are growing. Lives are visibly changing, and God’s word is being spread to others.

Members were eager to share their faith and to listen to our latest concerns. No one cared that our time with them was temporary, and we were continually asked when our next visits would be. Congregations were glad to see us, and we fit right in.

First Corinthians 12:12-31 speaks about one body and its many parts. The passage does not say that each member, or in this case, congregation will be identical. However, each will be used for the same purpose. In chapter 13, love is esteemed as the prized jewel.

From my experience, love is definitely a part of WCG congregations nationwide. The love of Christ is present. It is developing and his love is ready to be shared with others. The doors are open to all of us, anyone willing to enter. If you have the time and are able, I encourage all of you to visit a neighboring congregation and see for yourself. God’s people are our extended family. And where two of us are gathered, his Spirit is present with us. Go and meet your fellow disciples.

I am reminded of Jesus’ words in Matthew 28:19: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."

In all these congregations, one thing remains the same—a welcoming spirit, incredible growth potential and a longing to serve God in unity. I believe that God is using the congregations of the Worldwide Church of God to do a work collectively as a team. Neither we nor our congregations are alone in this fight. We remain a church family. Christ is our leader and together with him we will change lives.

Kathi Samuels is a 1997 graduate of Ambassador University.

Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 2002