Church? A New Way? Continued.......

If you were one of the brave one who actually commented on the previous blog, THANKS! Feedback is lovely.

So church……yea…….I grew up in church. Did you know that? Did you know that on day number 5 of my life I was in church. I can really understand Paul when he does his little bragging session about being a Pharisee of the Pharisees. Do you remember that? [if not you can find it in the Bible. I'll give you a hint, it's in the New Testament.] I could just as easily say I am a Christian of the Christians. [so let's try it]

I was born as a fifth generation follower of Christ. On my fifth day I was brought into church. At the appropriate time I was dedicated to be raised in the fear and admonition of the Lord. I only missed Sunday school for death, major sickness, or loosing a limb. When the church doors were open, I was there. I have never been drunk a day in my life. I have never smoked a cigarette. I have never done any type of illegal drug [including marijuana for those who are not sure if it is illegal]. I was formed and shaped at a solid fundamental Christian University. Called into the ministry I served in many different capacities to serve the Lord and advance the Kingdom.

Wow! There is my pedigree. Impressed? I'm not. Not really. I mean really my only point was to say that I grew up in church. I know how it works. I can fit in. I speak the language. I know how to impress, I know how to tick off. I can play the game if put on the field.

Don't get me wrong. I am so NOT anti-church. I am so WAY pro-church that it might shock you. I strongly believe that people should go to church. Consistently. Like ya know, all the time. So to get back to our discussion, was' up with church?

Everyone has such varying opinions on what church is, or should be that it has separated people, and people groups for generations. So if you think I'm gonna write a blog to further the gulf……wrong. But church is more than a style of music, a form, a preaching, a time of prayer, a time to give $. It's more than kids programs, youth programs, drug rehab, single adults ministry and or a vibrant senior citizens outreach. It can be all of those things, or some of those things. Church, more than any of that is believers, coming together. When we come together we [hopefully] experience community. A community of faith. A place that through our relationships, God is worshipped. Through laughing, sharing, loving, crying, and hoping, a fragrant scent of worship goes up, and God is pleased. So I guess my real point is that church can have many different looks. It can have many different flavors. And that is a good thing. God is unlimited. He is multi-faceted. He is everything, and is there before you can think it. He is God.

Church Evolves.

God is.