April, 1997

Dear Pastor,

I greet you again in the name of Christ, our Lord.

I want to share with you in this month’s letter something that happened to me recently that at first disturbed me. But the more I thought about it, I realize I did the right thing because I was being honest to the pattern of ministry outlined in these letters.

A few weeks ago an older couple whom I had never met before attended a Drive-In service. That was not so unusual, since almost every Sunday we have people attending for the first time. I had an opportunity to talk with them before the service began, and they told me they decided to attend our service because their own church was in an uproar over a possible split, and they were tired of all the fighting going on. As I always do, I welcomed them to our service and hoped they would receive a blessing.

This couple attended the next few weeks. On about the fourth week they said, “We really like coming here. We enjoy your preaching. We just may request a transfer of our membership to your church.” Naturally, any time a preacher hears something like that, he feels good. But I decided I ought to respond with these words: “I think I should mention to you that we do not
have a membership roll. We are not an organized church. Anyone who investigates or requests joining our church we direct to the council of Fifth Reformed Church, our sponsoring church.”

The next Sunday that couple was no longer at our service. I really felt bad about that. Had I turned them off with my comments about membership? Did I perhaps do the wrong thing? But then I remembered the letters that I have been writing, in which I emphasize we are not an organized church and never intend to be. We see ourselves as a service church, ministering in a unique manner to people who find that this type of service suits their present needs. I should never feel embarrassed about being up front and honest regarding who we are, especially since it has never been our goal to raid other churches in order to increase our own attendance. Yes, I did the right thing.

We covet your prayers on our behalf.

Sincerely,
Verlyn D. Verbrugge