From where I stand as the pastor of Washington Plaza Baptist Church, I see the church as a messy reflection of a gathered community seeking to be faithful.

We aren’t on the mega church fast track anytime soon. But, we are a group of open, loving and curious faith seekers that wants to know and love each other well. We want to show through our body that people of diverse backgrounds have purpose for gathering even when it would be easier to hang with people who are just like us.

Such a beautiful reflection glows on Sunday mornings as I look out and see members across the generational spectrum. Worship exists as the central identity of our communal life. 

But, if you really wanted to get to know us, then you’d need to stay after worship for what I like to call our coffee hour explosion. Because “coffee hour” at Washington Plaza is really more than coffee or donuts, it is a full meal every Sunday.

A couple of years ago, several folks noticed that small groups were often eating out together and opportunities for large group fellowship were slim. The same folks also noticed that opportunities to greet guests were few and far in between.

 “We just did not always get to the door before guests left,” many noticed.  “Couldn’t there be a better way?”

And, the idea of lunch was born!

Much to everyone’s delight, coffee hour lunch became a dear Washington Plaza tradition. Nearly the entire congregation stays each week.

Lunch is planned and organized by teams of volunteers who enjoy cooking. Each team takes on one week of the month. Team members donate the food and plan the menu. The diversity of the congregation’s food histories is often shared. Church members who want to participate but are unable to do so financially chip in by helping to set up and clean up. There is no charge for the meal. And there always is a lot of laugher coming out of our kitchen.

When I get downstairs, it is fun, as the pastor, to walk around and see new and not-so -new folks enjoying one another’s company. Sometimes I get to hear pieces of conversation that encourage me about how lasting relationships are being built during Sunday lunch time.

A couple of weeks ago, I walked over to greet a guest visiting with a child. I overheard one of our children talking to this mom and her son. The young Washington Plaza member said, “I like this church.”

“Well, why?” the visitor asked.

“I used to go to a big church. I don’t like big churches anymore. Their pastors are boring and don’t talk to people. Here, the pastor and the church are not boring. You should come here.”

Heartwarming moment for sure!

“Small churches” ARE good for strong fellowship and gaining friends who become a part of your extended family. And, I’m glad this “small church” pastor is not called boring. At least for this week. . .

And, yes, I agree and tell guests also, “You should come here. You’d like it too.”