Don't Go To "Kirch"

I don't know about you, but I keep finding myself somewhat in awe, of just how many #seniorPastorMonday posts are prompted by something that was said during a Sunday morning service. I don't plan it or intend it to work out that way; I just keep an open mind that perhaps a unique perspective might come from the pulpit.

That said, Pastor started a new series on what God mean when He said "church". Specifically, He was talking about building the church and the distinction between the original use of the word.

Jesus was talking about building the church as the people of God, or "Ecclesia" rather than "kirch", which is church as the institution.

And you don't have to look very far, even in Jesus time to understand the difference. His conversations and interactions with the Pharisees and religious leaders should tell you all you need to know between one's focus of church in terms of the people and relationships versus church as known by its building, traditions, theology, dogma and so forth.

The latter is why so many people have a problem with the "church" in these modern times. The problems that people focus on don't revolve around those who are building relationships and community to share the Gospel and the love of Christ, but rather what's wrong with the institution and it's traditions; the religious exercises and contradictions between theology and religious practice. And somewhere in the middle of all of that, people have gotten hurt and offended and upset, resulting in wanting nothing to do with "organized religion".

Yet, the most basic "organization" of the Ecclesia form of church, is God's promise that where two or more are gathered in His name, He will be in their midst. You could have "church" in your favorite coffee shop today as you read this and pray for pastors! And iced coffee is awesome, by the way... you should try it.

There was so much in this sermon that was on point... it was just that good. But as we go to prayer, Pastor pointed out that the landscape of our nation and indeed our world, is filled with beautiful, amazing structures called Church. At one time filled with the people of God. And for whatever reason, at some point, there was a shift... when it became less about the gathering of God's people and instead, something to do. Less about relationship and instead religious practice. Tradition instead of compassion. Protection instead of engagement.

Now they sit dormant... a remnant of the kingdom of God, instead of vibrant, active community of believers with an incredible history of service for the cause of Jesus Christ.

Thus, on this #seniorPastorMonday, pray for the open churches of today. May their focus be and remain on being "Ecclesia". Pray especially for those pastors and churches that are perhaps on the verge of making a dangerous transition; where religious practice and tradition are dominating the conversation and experience. For those that are struggling to see a fresh and miraculous move of God, pray for a revelation of what needs to be changed. Pray for a return to knowing God and having a fresh revelation of who He is and who He has called the community of believers to exemplify. May church not simply be a gathering or an activity, but pray that it would an experience where people seek the face of God and see Christ in those around them. Not something to do, but an opportunity to engage in relationship with both God and man.

For we are called not to do church,
But to be the church.
For it is in being the church,
To which people were added daily.
It is God who builds it
For His glory.

- PNC