But within me was another understanding, one that must not be overlooked. The Church is a place where people can have a sense of love and community. Some come to church out of the compulsion of tradition or a sense of duty. Some come because they are pressured by friends or family, but some come because they love God and feel a sense of love and community among those with whom they are associating. Many churches are cold, steeped so deeply in their rituals and rightness that they forget to love people.
People are more important than principles.
People are the priority. It is not contributions and larger offerings. People are the focus, not programs and procedures. People in our world are starving for affection. Sex, violence, gangs, drugs and the like are not the answer.