Doing church for the "one"

True story, circa 1980's, with a small amount of creative license.

It was a cold winters church night in a small suburban town of Chicago Illinois. A considerable snowstorm was threatening the area, church events for the night were in jeopardy. It would be a shame for this one particular church, they advertised a special sermon topic to the community. Even so the most faithful of church goers knew not to mess with this storm. Sister Mildred made a couple strategic phone calls and before you know it the Pastor's phone was ringing off the hook. "Pastor are you canceling church tonight, did you see the news, this storm is gonna be a biggie." Each phone call sounded all too similar, almost as if they were being coached by someone, wink wink. The pressure was one. What to do? On one hand the Pastor sure doesn't want anyone putting their lives in jeopardy on account of a church service, even Sister Mildred. On the other hand the storm hadn't even started yet, perhaps it will pass by. The Pastor makes his decision, even if the crowd will be small tonight the service must go on.

Church time came and so did the snow, just as predicted. The meteorologist was right and so was Sister Mildred, it was a big one. The Pastor just barely makes it to the church now thinking perhaps he should have just canceled. There was only one other person there, a face he had never seen before, sitting in the large auditorium all by himself. An all time attendance low. In situations like this there is no need to hold service as usual, not for one. Just greet the man, apologize to him and perhaps they can both beat the storm and safely get home. That's what any Pastor would do. Well not this one. What happens next changed a life forever. You see instead of folding the tent and heading home, this Pastor does just the opposite. He holds service as usual. You heard me right, with only one in attendance he preaches as if the place was full. Now mind you this is no small church. The church was one of the largest in the area and easily sat hundreds. What does the Bible say? Where two or three are gathered together. As the Pastor begins the service, the man in the pew begins looking all around him scratching his head and saying to himself what is going on. At first he thinks the situation is incredibly awkward but then he becomes increasingly more impressed with the Pastor. In turns out the man is a local doctor and slowly begins to connect with the Pastor's professionalism and his "show must go on" attitude.

I think you can probably guess the ending of the story. The Doctors surrenders his life to Jesus that night. But what you probably couldn't have guessed is this Pastor and Doctor formed a friendship that lead them both to the mission field. The Pastor preaching the gospel and the Doctor caring for the sick in Africa. All because of the faithfulness of God and a Pastor that knew that church was for the "one".

The Bible teaches us the importance of the one. A shepherd will leave the 99 for the one. There's rejoicing in heaven for one sinner that repents. Even the Pharisees went to great lengths to make just one convert. Don't get me wrong, crowds are great, but what do you do when the crowds attention is somewhere else? Like a football game or something. What do you do when you know the seats will be empty? Do you stay home knowing your going along with the crowd? Do you give into the pressure and like other churches cancel services? I believe, if you do, your missing an opportunity. An opportunity to change a life. After all, that's what the church is all about. Doing church for the "one".

Matthew 25:23
His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.