Are we really being the church?

Just to set a base for my church upbringing before I begin on my topic, I was raised in a Pentecostal Holiness church where my dad’s dad, my papaw, was the pastor. I want to disclose this because I understand that how we are raised plays a lot into our perspective or views on everything we do. So hopefully, for those that are from the same type of church upbringing, this will resonate with you and even if you weren’t brought up the same it will still allow you to rediscover why you do church or ministry the way you do. Now on to the meat of it all. I was sitting at work just a few days ago during my lunch break and the discussion had started between my coworkers about types of churches and why some people do some of the things they do in church. The subject, in particular, was churches that “handle snakes”. That is just where it started and we all had our thoughts and opinions on the subject no problems just questions and curiosity about why people would want to do those things. As I sat there listening and occasionally speaking up on subjects that I knew about as to stay involved with the conversation more than anything. I kept hearing a lot of things I had never known from people that I had worked with for years. Most of the people that work in my group do not regularly attend a church nor do they claim to be Christians. They were asking me questions from an unbelievers point of view and I did my best to give them biblical unbiased answers when they asked. What took place over a 30-minute lunch break shook me to my core. No one was ever heated or upset they were just simply talking about their experiences with various churches across all denominations and how those experiences caused them to view church and people who claim to be Christians. I was very interested in this conversation seeing how I was the only professing Christian in the group. Just for what it’s worth, I am also honored that they were comfortable to speak freely with me, some stopped to apologize from time to time but I told them there was no need for apologies they were just talking about their experiences I was the one being educated and I thanked them for it. Which I’m sure they thought strange but I realized that God was using this to speak to me and prompt me to do some self-reflection. I love it when God moves through things I don’t expect Him to be.

I was listening to conversations of people that were sharing their fears and insecurities. Their horrific moments at the hands of would-be church people. Embarrassing moments that made me sad and angry and I even apologized for the ignorance of someone I’ve never meant because of the confusion and fear it had caused an entire family. A family that says they will never go to church ever again. I was hurt for them and embarrassed for the “church” that all Christians claim to be a part of. Now I realize that those of us who attend church on a regular basis have our own lingo when we talk about things that pertain to the church. However, I don’t think we should ever look at someone who doesn’t understand and tell them they are ignorant and need to set down and respect the house of the Lord. Especially if their question was so that they can better understand what we as church folk take for granted that everyone should know.

So here begins my thought and concerns…..

Upon reflecting on the conversation I was quite upset at the hurt, humiliation, anger, frustration, and resentment that had been afflicted upon my friends at the hand of church folk. People who were, from what I was hearing, more concerned with their gifts and rituals than they were showing someone Christ.

What are we as a church doing for the Kingdom of God when we have more faith in our gifts and talents than we do our God to draw people to Him? Why have we traded Jesus for the art of speaking in tongues? Why have we traded a true move of the Holy Spirit for a sideshow and trying to force healing on someone by shoving their neck down thru their ankles? Where do we get off trying to make the church a movie theater with live performances to entertain but never sharing the true love of God with anyone? Now I’m sure I’ve kicked a few religious/sacred cows and so be it. I just want us myself included to really take a long look at how we represent Christ to the world. Are we truly set apart or are we just trying to be a circus that draws a crowd? Sometimes, I think, there may not be a lot of differences. Nothing is wrong with having nice church facilities and good worship. But is it really worth the cost of souls? I think we have worshipped our own worship for too long. As a Pentecostal boy, I think nothing of hearing someone speak in tongues or interpretations. Just think for a moment about the first time you did. What did you think? I love it when Gods presence falls on a group and signs and wonders appear and there is deliverance and healing happening, it is awesome! But what if you never knew these things and you come to a place to learn about Jesus only to be told to shut up and sit down and don’t ask questions the Holy Spirit is moving right now. What spirit what movement? We must take the time to understand that God understands and he is big enough to not to be offended if someone questions anything about Him.

Matthew 25:34-40 shows us an example of what God is looking for in us as Christians and in the church.

Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’

This is what many of us have forgotten. If we are to be the hands and feet of the “Church” then we need to not only show great love to one another but we must also meet people where they are, not where we think they should be. We are to show love. Love! Our gifts and abilities will all be in vain if there is no love. Your ministry, your calling, your anointing is all in vain if you don’t show love. I ask that you take the time to really evaluate yourself in this area. It is important to the furthering of the Kingdom of God! We must be different if we are to make a difference. That’s not to say we are to be a side show. We are to stand firm on the word of God in LOVE! I pray You allow God to show you where you might be lacking love and I pray He grows you and blesses you to move mountains in the kingdom for His glory! Amen.