What comes to mind when you think of church? Do you think of the body of Christ? A gathering of believers? People bringing the kingdom to the world? A building you can go to to learn about God? Sunday school? Sunday morning services with worship and preaching? Pot luck suppers in the fellowship hall? Mission outreaches in the community? Organs? Rock bands? A small intimate setting? Overcrowded parking lots? Boring? What comes to your mind?
For me, you would always hear me answer that question by saying that the "capital C" Church is the body of believers...worldwide. All of us put together. We make up the body of Christ, of which he is the head. And I still believe that's biblical.
But what about when you think of the "lowercase c" church. Like in going to church. What do you think of then? I would always answer that question by saying it is a gathering of believers, typically on a Sunday, where they meet to worship the Lord. They develop and experience fellowship together. They listen to the Word and (hopefully) are encouraged and empowered to take the love of Jesus out into the world around them. The church may even have groups and outings to facilitate that.
I stand challenged, and I have been rethinking what is "church." Why don't you think along with me?
No comments:
Post a Comment