The five things about church that I’d like to see live. A companion post to this one about 5 things in church that I'd like to see die. There should be praise as well as blame.
Best message.Ever.
God loved people so much he gave his only Son, so everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die. (John 3:16)
Community.
There are millions of church communities of different sizes and shapes throughout the world. All trying to be welcoming, caring and relevant, Jesus focused communities. It's one of the few places where you can interact people from outside your circle or peer group.
Diversity.
Each of those church groups worships the same God completely differently. That’s okay. It’s the heart not the appearance that’s important. From the Highest Anglicans, via the Baptists, the Catholics to the Snake Handlers. Something for everyone.
Practicality.
Many of the things the UK takes for granted - welfare state, employment laws, charities, schools, NHS - exist because Christians campaigned for them and made them happen. Many churches run toddler groups, lunch clubs for retired people, food banks etc. Christians are still at the forefront of campaigns against trafficking, slavery etc. Be great if these things died because we didn't need them.
It's never dull.
Trying to be community with people of different ages and cultures with one thing in common - you all believe in God- is never dull. Joyful, challenging, fun and frustrating but never dull. It teaches you about yourself. It teaches you even more about God. We don't journey through things on either list alone. God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit - is beside us. Hopefully at the centre of things. But sometimes on the side-lines shouting, "Oi! I'm over here!" That's the thing about God, he turns up everywhere.
Dirty Sexy Ministry concludes:
"The Church has been dying since its birth on Pentecost. And it has been living since Pentecost. The Church is a living spirit. Like all living spirits of God, we wax and wane. We have times of feast and famine. We are the embodiment of death and life. Perhaps instead of bewailing the death of the church, we can be the people of faith called into being on Pentecost and trust that death is part of our life together. Things will change. Beloved traditions may have lived their full life; new experiences are birthed. Change happens. Life goes on. Amen. Alleluia!"
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