Tuesday, May 17, 2011

ANYONE, ANYWHERE, ANYTIME

Some of you may know and some may not. But recently I stepped down from a pastoral position at a local church. Over the last few years I found myself struggling with the Christian system. SIDE NOTE: (I am not referring specifically to my old church or the people there). Not only am I not in agreement with most positions taken by the church but I also find the whole thing to work contrary to what Jesus taught. I just can't be a part of something that I don't agree with. We seem to focus more on the dos and donts of a book rather than the heart of what I believe Jesus came to reveal to us (by "us" I mean everyone). What I seem to struggle with the most is that the very people that Jesus had a heart for and spent His time with would never step foot through the doors of a church. (Mark 2:13-15 and Luke 15:1) And rightly so. They just aren't made welcome. Maybe your church is different. I don't want to compare or measure up who's worship center is better. I'm just tryin to make a point.

I share this with you for a few different reasons.

Many people/acquaintances who have learned of my decision have not only renounced friendships over my beliefs/writings but have written me to say "I'm praying for you" as if they are concerned for my soul and eternal destiny. To me that's a pretty big slap in the face. We don't have to agree on Theology or interpretation in order to be friends. At least I don't feel that way. But this comes off as if they have it all figured out and if I don't agree with the majority of evangelical Christian thinking then my soul is in trouble.
 BTW, I believe I'm saved and I can't lose my salvation as long as I don't deny Christ/Holy Spirit/God. But we will open that can of worms on another blog.

If I'm made to feel this way about my beliefs then how does the rest of the world (the people who would never step foot in a church) feel about how they've been treated by the church?

The other reason for this blog, the real reason I started writing this evening is to point out a simplistic understanding for anyone at anyplace at anytime who wants to commune with the Creator.

This is where I make a short story long :)

Last week my wife and I celebrated 13 years of marriage. I rented a cabin on top of the Shenandoah national park. It was breathtaking. I am always amazed at Gods beauty In and through His creation. We arrived to a super duper foggy Saturday.


It took us over 2 hours to drive what normally takes 30 mins. But we made the best of the evening. When we awoke Sunday morning we stepped outside to enjoy our coffee and our beautiful view. My wife looked around, looked at her watch and looked at me and said "well baby, I don't think we are going to make it to church this morning". To which I replied "we are at church".

Anywhere, at anytime we are in our Creators presence. To stop and enjoy it and recognize His handiwork, to thank Him for something simple or something amazing is to worship and commune with Him.

For all of you who have been hurt by the church and will never go back. For all of you who don't feel welcome in a building on Sunday. For all of you who know there is something not quite right with the current system and can't find it in you to "join" in. It doesn't mean you can't commune with God. It doesn't mean you cant worship the creator and It doesn't mean your soul is in trouble.

Next time you see a beautiful sunrise, smell a flower or catch a glimpse of a masterpiece in a fallen tree. Consider yourself at church :)

Posted by at
Labels:

4 comments:

  1. Brian DMay 17, 2011 at 9:37 AM

    The beautiful thing that I believe you have hit right on the head, is that a lot of people call a building church when it is supposed to the people called the church. We believe in us being righteous and scorn those who aren't. To quote a Jon foreman song, "you've turned your back on the homeless, and the ones that don't fit in your plan quit playing religious games, there's blood on your hands"

    Right on with this.

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownMay 17, 2011 at 1:59 PM

    I believe what you are saying as well. Unfortunately, for some, church is this foam stumbling block that makes people secure in their flesh...Many take this pill once every seven days and never get the full benefit of knowing the Lord personally - certainly not on a minute by minute basis...Many quote the passage about not dissembling (I forget the exact scripture - sorry)...people quote this to force you into the idea that you cannot leave the church (building.) I am a part of the body whether my physical feet touch physical ground or not - Far as I'm concerned, the fact that God's Holy Spirit lives within me makes everywhere I walk HOLY GROUND!

    ReplyDelete
  3. RayMay 18, 2011 at 7:01 AM

    Sometimes it's the church, and sometimes it's me that needs to change. Maybe it's a little of both. Both desperately need the powerful, transforming love of God within, or we're just playing a role instead of living a life.

    I don't have the right to write off any of God's creation--even the church. The question is, how do we become the Church?

    ReplyDelete
  4. Chris ThomasMay 18, 2011 at 7:53 AM

    @Erik-That's a good word!

    @Ray-This is where I find myself in turmoil. I can't say I've completely written off the church. I just can't reconcile how to be a part or consider myself a part of something that I don't jive with. I'm continually praying about it. And yes...most of those prayers are asking God to change my heart instead of the circumstances :)

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)