You are never too old to go beyond church. Take 92 year old “Miss” Mildred for example.

“Miss” Mildred had been a Salvation Army soldier (member) for many years when her corps (church) was shut down because of dwindling attendance and finances. A few years later, the Army asked my wife and me to start a new, “non-traditional” corps in the old building where her corps had met.

We based the Sunday meeting in the new corps on Spirit-led, open sharing and testimonies (instead of a one-man sermon) according to 1 Corinthians 14:26 (what the New Testament calls ekklesia). At first “Miss” Mildred didn’t come, but then one Sunday she gave it a chance. And she never looked back, coming to Berry Street Corps every Sunday she was able.

As I would drive her home afterwards she would excitedly say things like: “Wasn’t that wonderful today!” “Those people really know the Bible!” “This is the best our corps has ever done!” She absolutely loved the openness, honesty, humility, and caring that flowed from the people as they ministered to one another.

Less than a year ago, “Miss” Mildred’s health had declined so much that her family had to move her out of her home. My wife got a call last night that she is in the hospital and going into hospice care. When we saw her this morning she was unconscious. My wife and I sang some hymns for her, prayed over her, and visited with her granddaughter.

“Miss” Mildred proves that you are never too old to step out of your comfort zone, go beyond church as usual, and experience God in fresh new ways. Come and see what so blessed “Miss” Mildred — the ekklesia at 225 Berry St., Nashville, 37207, on Sundays at 10:45 am.