Church Reloaded
Anyone ever get bored with “church”? I am not talking about our relationship with God. But with what we call or at least perceive “church” to be. I find “church” quite predictable most of the time. Even churches that do things differently pretty much have the same predictable pattern. They just dress it up a little different. But are just doing the same thing over and over. Let’s all breathe a collective yawn. No wonder people tune us out.
When I read Acts 2 it makes me pause. As the early church gathered seems like things were more unpredictable. There was a real sense of awe as they met together. Awe at what God was doing and a deep sense of relationship with one another permeated everything.
43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved Acts 2:43:47 (NLT)
As I write this I am not throwing stones at anyone or claim to have all the answers. In my recent articles “God Unfiltered” and Jesus Overload . I have been communicating some things God is doing in my life. God has caused me to take a look at my perception of who He is, ministry and the church. As a minister I’ve had many filters keeping me doing the same thing, the same way for a long time. Those same filters have kept God’s power from fully flowing in my life.
A filter is essentially about control. I want to maintain control so I must shape what I hear and see into something that I can handle. Something that fits with my plan or makes me comfortable. Something I can control. Problem is for God’s power to flow we must surrender control to the Holy Spirit. To have Acts 2 we cannot come to God on our own terms.
Perhaps this is one of the greatest dilemmas for the church and us as individuals. Who is going to be in control? If man is in control we will only get the reality the flesh can produce. We may call it “church”. It may entertain or pacify peoples need for a religious balm. But it will not transform. It will not reflect the reality of Jesus and it will not be full of His power. It will be earthbound and void of heaven. Boring and irrelevant to the world around us.
Again today I am determined to put my filters down and cede control of my life to the Holy Spirit. Something good just might happen when I do.
[...] Church Reloaded Anyone ever get bored with “church”? [...]
Shane, this was very good and right on. My husband Ray and I have been on a journey the last several years dealing with this. We were at a church for 12 years that was like our home and our family. Due to reasons too long to explain here, we left after much prayer and pain, and then saw so many others do the same due to those problems in the leadership. We are now in transition, looking for a new church and have found to be true just what you wrote about…church is BORING (But God ISN’T!). Love your transparency about yourself and your humility about ceding your control to the Holy Spirit. And that is when God MOVES.
Beth thanks for the comments. It is true God is never boring we just tend to get locked in and when we do we get stale. Transitions are not easy but God always gets us to our destination.
Yes, this is a struggle for many people. What we need is to experience God when we gather together. We don’t need forms of religious tradition. When the early believers gathered, they were free to share a song, hymn, song, prophecy, word of knowledge, etc. Today most church services are so controlled that the average church attender never gets to share what God is revealing to him or her.
But God is moving and pouring out His Spirit in new ways. Where people are open to all He wants to do, traditions will change and His Presence will be manifested.
I’d welcome a guest blog post from you on my website!
daily-devotionals so true. There is a fine balance between order and to much control. I think most have erred and leaned to far towards control. Quenching what can happen through the body.
I would be glad to do a guest post on your blog.
When God is manifesting undeniable healings, deliverances and whatever else He wants to do, it is life-changing! Then church or any gathering in His name is exciting!
Don
Yep that is when it gets fun.