Emerging Conservative

Do I really have to go to church to be a Christian? I have been asked that question many times and the simple answer is this…..No (but I highly suggest it)…..Let me explain if you have a moment….

I got an email from a new friend of mine today who is trying to locate a new church in her community. She has some new goals in her life and is searching for support. So we got to talking about having people in your life that can comfort and challenge you in life. We got to talking about community. If you know me at all…..you know I get very jazzed about community.

If you have not yet accepted Jesus as Leader and Forgiver in your life, than you would understand community maybe through other activities or interests in your life. My son, Ryan plays soccer. When he first stated as a young kid that he wanted to be a soccer player, we could have went two different routes…..we could buy him a $10 ball at Wal-Mart and let him kick it around the back yard and say “There, you’re technically a soccer player. Or he could be a SOCCER PLAYER! He could get training, surround himself with other players, get on a team, practice, have a mentor, have some wins and have some losses. This life surrounds him with experience, passion, activity, relationships…..community. We are created to have community. That’s why we are drawn towards other people with similar likes and interests…..sports, book clubs, 4-H, or even who people go partying with.

If you have accepted Jesus as Leader and Forgiver in your life then I wonder if you have this community in your life within your spiritual walk. Starting this relationship with Christ is just that, a start. It’s a relationship that should change and impact every aspect of our life in a powerful way. Sadly, too many just stop there with a “get out of hell free” card so it’s no wonder why so many people think of Christians as hypocrites and so many Christians struggle.

However, what if there was a difference. What if we did have other people in our lives that could encourage, comfort and challenge us in our spiritual walks? There is a verse in Acts that I find pretty fundamental in my life…..

Acts 2: 42-47

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”

This is a life I get excited about and enjoy with our friends and family at our church. We don’t have it down perfect yet and never will. However, I thrive on the growth of the relationships and it changes my life. A life where we are devoted to one another, acting in love instead of selfishness, caring for people in need, and spurring each other on towards a deeper relationship with one another and Christ. It’s being on a team and being in the game.

If you do not have this community within your church, may I humbly ask you to check yourself. Is there something you are doing or not doing to hinder community within your church? If the answer is yes, then change and open your heart. If no, then find another church that loves and supports you while you return the favor.

If you are not involved in a church, consider this. If we are part of God’s family then why do we sometimes act like we are orphans? What difference would you have in your life if you were plugged into a community? Can you be a Christian and not attend church? Yes. Can you be involved in a church and not have a community? Sure.

Can you have community through a church that changes your life? YES! And it’s worth the hunt to find it……..