As a Pastor, I must confess that I have some favorite people in the Church. These are people who I look forward to speaking with every Sunday. They fill my heart with joy and help me to love the community of God.

1. Anyone who is growing in the Lord. When someone tells me about a passage they read, something they learned, or how they are growing spiritually, it makes my heart happy.

2. Someone positive. Everyone can give you a list of negative things going on in their life. When someone can keep a positive attitude, I love hearing their perspective.

3. The person who always smiles. A good smile is contagious.

4. Those who are praying for me. The Apostle Paul often wrote to Churches and told them he was praying for them. I understand the power of knowing someone is praying for you out of genuine concern.

5. The people who serve with their heart. After all these years, I can tell who is serving on Sunday from a heart full of Jesus and those doing it out of duty. Those who love Jesus have a spirit that brings light and life, and I enjoy being around them.

Sure, there are a few people I am closer to as an individual, but as a Christian and a Pastor, these are my favorite types of people. These are the ones I encounter who encourage me to go home full of joy and thanksgiving after being together as a Church.