headline: church stolen

I started reading a new book yesterday. One of the volunteers at New Life suggested it. It is a fictitous story about real life reactions to the changing church movement. One point that has stood out to me already is the author's reference to how Jesus interacted with the church in his day. They tried to reduce church to a building that you attended. Jesus challenged the religious thought of his day by repetively showing them 'the church' is people. It's not about what building you come to or what the order of service is or whether you sing hymns or praise songs.

There is a strong movement these days to raise up church communities. That is, a group of Christian people who gather in intentional community to study Scripture and be discipled in their faith. But it doesn't end there, they also make a committment to God and each other to be intentional about interacting with strangers and non-Christians outside of the church group. Sometimes, these intentional communities will start Community Homes to live together and minister to their neighborhoods. I have seen or heard of these community church groups in small pockets from San Diego to Seattle to Minneapolis. Apparently, this Biblical concept is spreading like wild fire. If you think about it, this goes back to the roots of the Christian church. Jesus' disciples would proclaim the Truth of Christ in groups of people in homes, the catacombs, or in outside arenas. Much of this was due to persecution or just not having the money to build large and impressive looking church buildings. In fact, building impressive looking structures was a common practice among pagans in order to appease the god they wanted favor with. It's no wonder that Jesus' disciples met in small groups that could come and be fed spiritually, and then share the Truth with their friends and neighbors.

I have long struggled with this idea of getting non-Christians into our church buildings. If I didn't know anyone in the church that I drive by everyday, what would make me want to step foot through the door? A whole lot of self-motivation and desperate seeking. Not too many Americans have this compulsion. What a convicting point for me to dwell upon. Always be ready to engage with whoever crosses your path to share the love of Christ. Don't get stuck in the "Christian club" rut of working with Christians, going to my Christian church, hanging out with my Christian friends, listening to my Christian music... you get the idea. Don't seal yourself in a bubble. Open up your eyes and see those in the world. We are called to be in the world, not of the world. There's a difference. Think about it.