I thought Church was a thing of the past for me, and for my family. ..
What a strange way to start a post on a blog for a new church... Let me explain, the church as it looks today with its priorities on services, programs and buildings was, and is a thing of the past for me and my family. I Pastored for 14 years in that setting and found that much was wasted on writing sermons instead of meeting people. Holding business meetings and making sure the order of service was right instead of sharing my life with people. Oh yes we had great services and I preached great messages (I know because as people shook my hand as they left the building they told me so:) ) and then I would work on next weeks service, or the new worship song, or the next come and see event, or the... well the list is endless. And such was my life, the life of a Pastor.
When I left that life over a year ago I had every intention of never pastoring again, yet here I am, launching out into the deep of that very thing, Pastoring... but not like you would think when you think of that word, that job description. This time there is no sermons to write, no order of service, shucks, there isnt even a building, there is just a deep desire to see lives changed, to see families changed, to help people live, survive, and even thrive in this world we live in. And you know what, we just might learn what it really means to "BE" the church along the way.
So have you ever thought about what church would be like without a building, or service, or the great "programs" like youth ministry and childrens ministry? Might it look like "a family"? well thats kind of what it should look like, a family with crying babies and antcy children, and even the ocasional bored teenager... or maybe it would not have any crying babies, or antcy children, or bored teenagers at all (well probably crying babies) because maybe, just maybe they are hungry for a real relationship with God too? maybe they long for the environment to see their entire family striving to make their sunday faith real... and maybe, just maybe it would be life changing for them to see.
What do you think???
What a strange way to start a post on a blog for a new church... Let me explain, the church as it looks today with its priorities on services, programs and buildings was, and is a thing of the past for me and my family. I Pastored for 14 years in that setting and found that much was wasted on writing sermons instead of meeting people. Holding business meetings and making sure the order of service was right instead of sharing my life with people. Oh yes we had great services and I preached great messages (I know because as people shook my hand as they left the building they told me so:) ) and then I would work on next weeks service, or the new worship song, or the next come and see event, or the... well the list is endless. And such was my life, the life of a Pastor.
When I left that life over a year ago I had every intention of never pastoring again, yet here I am, launching out into the deep of that very thing, Pastoring... but not like you would think when you think of that word, that job description. This time there is no sermons to write, no order of service, shucks, there isnt even a building, there is just a deep desire to see lives changed, to see families changed, to help people live, survive, and even thrive in this world we live in. And you know what, we just might learn what it really means to "BE" the church along the way.
So have you ever thought about what church would be like without a building, or service, or the great "programs" like youth ministry and childrens ministry? Might it look like "a family"? well thats kind of what it should look like, a family with crying babies and antcy children, and even the ocasional bored teenager... or maybe it would not have any crying babies, or antcy children, or bored teenagers at all (well probably crying babies) because maybe, just maybe they are hungry for a real relationship with God too? maybe they long for the environment to see their entire family striving to make their sunday faith real... and maybe, just maybe it would be life changing for them to see.
What do you think???
posted by Carl at 9:04 PM
4 Comments:
Hello brother!
Just stumbled across your blog through Bob Carders. I love what you've written here. You and I are on much the same journey.
I am excited to see the beginning of your journey and look forward to following what God is doing in and through you.
I'm going to post a link to your blog on mine. My blog is www.epicaugusta.typepad.com
May God overwhelm you!!!
Brother,
This is and awsome step you've taken. I recall and old song that goes " I'm building a bridge accrose the divide, I'm building it stong, I'm building it wide. God gave me the plan I'm following through, I'll make it someday, so how about you." This bridge your crossing may be steap, and many will fall along the way. Displaying that unconditional love that God has given to you, is all you need. GOD BLESS U
SO FAR SO GOOD, I LIKE WHAT I HEAR. HMMM SOUNDS LIKE SOMEONE HAS GOTTEN THERE GIFT STIRRED UP WITH IN THEM. GIT R DONE
Thanks for all your kind words.. They are much appreciated... My son told me yesterday he was praying for me to start a church like this and he already is out sharing what were doing to his friends. I sure am glad to see him hungry to do the things of God!
Watch for more!
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