In 1979, my father received poor service at our local Pizza Hut on two visits in a row. As a result, he swore he would never return to that particular establishment again.

I went back there in 1988 when I had my driver’s license and a car. In fact, I went back quite often to enjoy some of the best pizza around at the time. Dad remained adamant that he was done with that place.

Finally, in 1994, he was forced to go back with a group of senior citizens for card club. To his amazement, it was great. The food was delicious, the service was outstanding, and the atmosphere was enjoyable.

You see, during his fifteen-year absence, there had been a couple of new owners, a building remodel, an addition to accommodate the thriving buffet service, along with dozens of managers and hundreds of employees. While the building stood at the same location and had the same name on the sign out front, it had become an altogether different place and much better at the same time.

I tell you this little story because I encounter the same mentality around the Church all the time. People will say to me they will never attend the Church I lead because of something that happened years ago. They inform me that they will not become members, get involved, serve in a ministry, and especially lead in any capacity because of something that they experienced a long time ago. That one experience has become their infinite excuse for every question involving the Church.

The truth is that the Church is continually changing. People come and go, leaders rise and fall, ministry methods change, and the congregation adapts to new tools.

I know that things go wrong in the Church community all the time. Things are said and done that hurt people and make things uncomfortable, but that cannot become your excuse to never take another step of faith.

Dad missed out on enjoying a great meal with family and friends because of an old experience. Don’t miss out on what God wants to do in you and through you because your excuse may no longer be valid.