I’m always curious about the different expectations that people have when they come to church. I wonder about when people step through the doors of Eastgate, whether it’s the first time or the hundredth time, what are they expecting to find?

Those who have been to Eastgate many times might expect to be greeted with friendly faces. They might expect to grab a refill of coffee during the five minute break. They might expect to sign up for a new event or ministry. They might expect it to feel like winter on the inside while it is boiling lava hot in the rest of Florida. 

Sometimes, we have found Eastgate to disappoint people’s expectations of what church should be. We have had some leave the church because they expected us to put more effort into how the church is marketed in the local community. Some have left because they expected us to spend more time weighing in on political matters or whatever things are dominating the 24 hour news cycles.

What are some non-negotiable expectations that you have for Eastgate, or all church communities that you participate in? For me, I expect to spend time studying scripture. I expect to spend time worshipping through music. I expect to support, and be supported, by the people in the church community.

This week, as we read 1 Timothy 3:14-16, we will see Paul continue to reinforce his expectations for the church community. This book is a letter to a church in Ephesus, a place we are many miles and many years removed from. Yet, there is wisdom in this text that is meant to shape and cultivate every church community that is centered on Christ. It is through studying this word we are able to learn Paul’s expectations for a healthy church, and consider how well we line up with that at Eastgate.

We invite you to join us this Sunday as we study the word together at 10:00AM.