Doing Church or Being Church

So the other day I found myself awake and beginning the process that I have followed for several years. Today however I was charged with a bit more excitement, enthusiasm, and life than usual as I prepared for another wonderful church service. Having a history of involvement in church for many years this has not always been the case. All too often church was the very last place I wanted to be, as it was the place that I watched my family suffer at the hands of well meaning church folk. Today it is my pleasure to be part of something of depth, substance and supernatural healing!

Knowing where I have come from may help to provide a bit of insight to my experience of a sunday morning not long ago. As many people do on a sunday morning, my wife and two beautiful daughters rushed out the door and into our SUV where we would rush to make it to church to fullfill our church responsibilities. Responsibilities that we love and are greatful to have. The challenge comes because of a man walking with a cane. It wasn't actually the man that was the problem rather the fact that I saw him walking with his cane barely able to keep standing as he walked from his mailbox to his home. As we raced past this man I was stuck by a deep conviction and sense of responsibility to this mans anguish. For days after I wrestled with myself and with God as to what I was feeling. I have conceded that sometimes our desire to go to church has kept us from actually being the church. Please understand that I am not a fan of "Home Church" as I believe this is a recipe out of spiritual authority and covering. However I do wonder if our efforts at church are sometimes less than Christ's original model of the church.

When church is not really measured by the building but the quality of life established among people, you know that you are part of a movement and not just an organization. It is my great desire to see men and women drawn into a movement that is the expression of Jesus Christ at work among mere mortals.