New Life, New Hope, New Mission!    

March 22, 2007

Good Day, Folks, 

I'm wondering about the purpose of church.  Theologically and ecclesiologically we talk about it as being the "Body of Christ."  Some have touted that Jesus gave us the church as His Living Body.  But I'm not so sure this really has much import to most folks.  It seems "church" for the most part is about organization, management, program, budget (you know the stuff I'm referring to).  But what church really means to me is a rich gathering of people seeking and sharing the ethereal presence of God in their lives, specifically that presence as established by Jesus.  I'm more interested in praying, talking about Christ-centered "karma" encounters, learning from each other how God is impacting our lives and how the revealed Jesus makes us whole.  The institution of "church" is so secondary to the things of the soul.  In fact, I don't see any place in the life of Jesus where we was up on putting together an institution.  He was so much more interested in the soul of the troubled child, the spirit of the guilt ridden sinner, or the pain of a grieving father.  He was about inviting us into a wholeness of being.  I really think that's what this "church" thing is about; together seeking the wholeness God wants for us.  So I'll look for you at worship, or a prayer meeting, or a mission endeavor, and together we might just experience the life Jesus intends us to share. 

Updated: 09/29/08