Redefining Church

Redefining Church │ What is the Church? Like when you stop to think about it…what is this building and these people supposed to accomplish? Because many of us (me included) have grown up in the church all our lives but we rarely sit back and really think about what in the world we’re doing here or what we’re supposed to be doing.

·         Be “good people” │ Romans 3:10 quotes Psalms 14 saying “There is none righteous, no not one”. And then in Isaiah 64:6 says even our attempts of doing “good things” are like filthy rags. I’d explain more but you can come and talk with me later. If this is what scripture tells us why is it that there’s this “rule” that says we have to be perfect? Or at least act like it? The thing is that we can’t…we’re sinful people and we’re utterly and completely hopeless on our own. But “God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ.” (Eph. 2:4-5) Please don’t forget this because when you take the Good News out of church, it gets ugly real fast. We no longer see the Cross of Christ as central…rather it has become about you and I trying to become “morally good people.” That’s not for me coach.

·         Country Club │ We have this mentality that the church for some reason is there for us, to serve us, to make much of us. And I don’t think you would actually come out and say that but just watch how you act. Don’t just watch how you serve…but with what kind of attitude do you serve? Will you sacrifice your own wants and “status” for the sake of the gospel, for this church? What do you think you deserve? Do you think you deserve to be on stage to tell everyone how they should be like you? Are you due all the honor and glory and praise of the people? There are way too many people that want the spotlight and very few who will work the trenches. And I’m not talking about picking up trash once a year and think that you’ve done it all. Where’s the guy who will set up chairs by themselves and not expect any form of recognition or payment? Where’s that guy who says “I’ll serve because I’ve been saved by a great God and King and this is the least I could do”? Where’s the person that will give without thinking about what’s in it for them? I’ll tell you…church life will ALWAYS expose your heart. And for some of us, it’s more about me than Jesus.

·         Rock Stars │ Everyone has a band now and we’re all waiting for the next big thing. And I get it…people get to see you on stage – gawk at your chiseled abs, buy your cds. But here’s the thing again…there’s only one true rock star – he’s the cornerstone and his name is “holy”. We got to stop thinking that our opinions is the only one and if someone doesn’t do it or even “get it” like we do…then they’re stubborn, ignorant, or unspiritual. When you hold that attitude, it goes to show that you have lost sight of everything. Why? Because you don’t extend the same grace that was extended to you when you first started off. And instead of modeling and guiding them biblically…you want them to be like you. When it comes down to it…who runs the church? What I’ve seen is that it’s been opinions that run the church…not biblical understanding, nor pastoral leadership, and much less the Holy Spirit…rather opinions, pragmatics, and rock stars that lead. Please let us run back to a biblical foundation and a biblical understanding of what Church really looks like. And you know what? It’s not always going to make sense – almost every circumstance in scripture doesn’t “make sense” but we’re not called to analyze situations to death and call it “due diligence”. Biblically submit to those God has called to lead this church in an honoring way.