This issue's article on church planting helped me appreciate anew all a person gains being part of a local church.

The first church I was part of as a child set the standard pretty high. There I learned the Way, communicated in a loving church family -- in fact, I had many "aunts" and "uncles" at Estevan Gospel Chapel. There were ministries and activities for the older folks, too, I suppose -- I just knew there was always someone or something to make me feel like I belonged.

I was still pretty young when we moved away, but I think I had already learned what a church should be. I know a church won't (and shouldn't) look the same in each place, culture or time period, but I believe the qualities I saw and experienced there should be everywhere.

Along with the Gospel in a caring community, there was a missionary vision. Even as a youngster I understood that the church wasn't there just for "the faithful." There were those on the fringes who needed visits and extra help. And many visiting missionaries challenged us, telling of people in the far corners of the earth without Christ.

I find myself thinking about all the First Nations communities that still need a church like that.