Q&A

So in church this Sunday, Tim Sizemore, decided to change his approach a little and ask us all some questions. He gave everyone a sheet with questions, and invited everyone to answer them during his time to speak. Below are those questions and my answers.

1. Why have you chosen the Lakeland Fellowship as your place to worship and experience fellowship?

When I was about 14 years old till I was about 16, me and my family went to Scott Lake Baptist Church. Before that, I knew nothing of religion other than who God was. I quickly became interested in the things that were talked about in Sunday School and morning worship (well, as interested as a 14 year old could be). While going there, I was saved and baptized. I had started my spiritual search. Unfortunately, due to the pastor leaving the church, my family left with him as they started Trinity Baptist Church. We however started going less and less, until no more. For years, I didn’t go to church unless I was visiting with a friend. Then I became friends with Bryant for a second time. I knew him in high school, and met up with him later when he came back in town from college. He invited me to come by to his church after some of our religious discussions. So I came one Sunday morning. I was very surprised to find how welcoming everyone was. What quickly grew on me about the Lakeland Fellowship was, as Danielle describes it in one word, “humble”. I like the fact that everyone is not above themselves to meet in a gym. I like the small atmosphere and getting to know people personally (not that I know everyone’s names). Every weekend, I look forward to Sunday mornings. I know that I may not seem all that involved at the moment, but I work at a slow pace. It may take me months to come to a decision. I want to learn more, and I feel that at the Lakeland Fellowship, that I will be able to do that and do it in an environment that I enjoy.

2. Do you believe the Lakeland Fellowship has something unique to offer people in the Lakeland community and surrounding areas? Can you give examples?

Apart from being Cooperative Baptist which I had never heard of until I started going to the Lakeland Fellowship, I think it is the people that make it unique. I’ve said for a while that I didn’t want to become a member of a church because it feels like the people change, but after going for over a year now, I’ve not seen the type of change I experienced at Scott Lake.

3. When you speak to your family and friends about your church what do you say?

Unfortunately, my friends consist of about 3 people locally, whom are either not religious or already attend somewhere. The topic of religion rarely comes up with people I know, and I do not feel that I am educated enough to start a big discussion. My family (which is really my immediate family, as I do not talk to my extended) has fallen out of the religion circle so to speak and I rarely talk to them as they have moved out of state and I am all that is left. I know my father is still interested, but does his own spiritual search on his own time and me and him have had religious discussions. I now discuss things with Danielle quite a bit.

4. What can we do to increase our visibility in our community and connect with people who might find our church to be a meaningful community of faith?

Unfortunately, I do not have much experience in this area. I’ve had a successful business for almost six years now, but I’ve never done any “advertising” to speak of. All of my business comes from word of mouth. I do believe this to be the best form. Maybe bumper stickers?

Earlier this week, me and Danielle met with our pastor, Tim Sizemore and officially joined the Lakeland Fellowship. I’ve been going for a year and a half now, and Danielle six months. This morning we did the whole stand up in front and shake everyone’s hand (which turned into mostly hugs instead).

Jason

Father of four, amateur chicken farmer, tech enthusiast, primitive camper.

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