Back in the day when communities were smaller there was one, maybe two churches to go to. You went to church with your neighbors in the place where you lived. Now we have cars and tv so we can see how other people are doing church. If we like it we can drive over there and check it out. I started thinking about all these options and if they have somehow clouded the real purpose of church. Maybe so many Sunday morning options aren't the best thing. Maybe it overwhelms and confuses us to the point that some of us stop searching all together.
I started to wonder about where I live. Do I really believe that God has a plan for my life? Do I really buy into the idea that he has me where and when I am on purpose? If so I have to take a look around and figure out what I am supposed to be doing. God didn't put me on the planet to save the planet. He put me in my neighborhood to be a light. He planted me in the spot I am in to have an influence. So why would I think it made sense to drive half an hour or more to go to church. Am I not where I am supposed to be? Is there not a church in my community that needs me or am I just being picky because I can?
The way church looks changes from year to year. This year its all guitar driven male lead worship. Everyone sounds like Chris Tomlin or Hillsong. It is what it is. A few years ago everyone sang from hymnals and then it was Integrity praise music. Who knows what is next? Yes I really don't care for the stuff of right now. I like gospel and unless you go to a black church you aren't getting any gospel. Unless I drive into Portland a half an hour away from where I live there will be no gospel. I have to decide how important that is. Am I willing to base my decision on a musical styling?
I guess I am rethinking all the conclusions I have come to about church. It isn't so much of a selfish thing. Its a serving thing. I am here to serve in my zip code. Maybe finding a church will be easier if I come at it from that angle instead of treating it like a restaurant I have to review. Its a revolutionary thought I know. Look for a church that you can serve in. I think it even sounds biblical. So that is what I am going to do.
5 comments:
WOW Christina! That was insightful...gulp...even what the Pastor talked about today in that church a 1/2hr away we went to.
;-)Hmmm...Maybe I will just moonlight at my fantasy church and plant myself local too. That would solve my crisis of 'wanting escape from churchy church' and 'wanting LOCAL church'
Thanks for the post!
It may seem like a cop-out to some (many?) but my family tried Home Church today. It was fantastic: just the five of us, some unleavened bread and grape juice and a Bible. We relaxed, we laughed, we prayed together, we talked a little bit, we read some, we did a puzzle, we laughed some more, my husband got out the guitar, he took a nap, I knitted. It was refreshing. Now I realize we're not impacting our community by holing ourselves up in our house all day, but it was just the respite we needed from life (and church hopping). I feel more unified with my kids and my spouse, grateful to God for my life, and ready to take on the world tomorrow, rested and revived.
Lauren we all need those times to recharge. I have wanted to do something similar, but probably never would go through with it. I think for myself God wants me to stop thinking about myself. I would go to your home church :)
There's a lot of wisdom in your words young grasshopper! God has put me in a place where my family and I have served for 20+ years. I don't always agree with everything that happens. I have seen people come and go. Some of them prayed on. God places us in a family to serve each other with our love and our giftings. Where ever you land {know that I miss you hideously} give of
your self as you always do. Love you.
Awww thanks Diana! I miss you hideously too. Folks just don't appreciate a good sense of humor ;)
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