Just been reading Dave Workman's latest post from Nigeria where he and some of his team from his church are ministering to churches out there. During this visit they have helped to build a borehole, among other building projects.
What struck me about his words was his last almost throwaway comment:
"These moments make me thrilled to be a part of the Vineyard. I think everyone should feel that way about their respective church."
I wonder, if you are a Christian, if you feel thrilled to be a part of your church. Sometimes I hear people say that they are at their church because it's the best there is in their area or feel obligated to stay, even though they don't know why.
I would encourage us all to take some kind of 'thrill test'. Now it might make us feel more than a little uncomfortable, but I would ask you to have the courage to go through with it. And if what your church is doing does not thrill you, ask yourself how it could do. This does not mean writing your pastor, vicar or lead elder a long list of ideas, but seeing what the Lord would lead you into doing. You never know it could be fun.
It really is not wrong to love your church, though of course we should be be careful to not cross the line from it becoming an idol. But I can honestly say for me that I love my church, I love the Vineyard. It gave a sense of 'coming home' and being accepted for who I am. I wonder what your own church has given you. Maybe sit down and reflect with a coffee on that one. Then as things come to mind, maybe turn them into a prayer of thanksgiving.
Does your church bring you freedom? Does it affirm and support? Does it alow you to be creative? Does it energise you or feel like it sucks all the goodness out of you? I sincerely hope it is not the latter!
The guys in my church know I rarely say no to people when they come with an idea to do something. I love the thought that they know they have a listening ear and feel liberated to ask.
As John Wimber said famously, "Let the bush grow". We can always prune it back later. But cut it back too soon and we might kill something quite precious. Also, if we are not careful, someone's spirit might well be crushed.
You see, when we are excited by our church I suspect our communities will pick up on it. Church then becomes a lot easier to invite people to. If we feel church is dull and boring, there is really not much enouragement or will to see others come along, only to share in our apathy or unspoken misery.
The last benefit of being thrilled by our church is the inspiration it gives to serve and be generous with our own resources of time, energy and money. It means we can do so much more. Perhaps even building the odd borehole in poor villages in certain parts of Africa.
I'll give Dave the last word: "This adventure with Jesus is never boring. Ever. I can’t think of anything in the universe better than serving the One who has a plan for this big messy world and invites us to join Him."
ASD
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