A Church is Not Just a Building

I've always thought of a church as a building, a place where people go to worship. That’s probably how most of us would define it. But today I realized just how inadequate that definition is.

For most of my life, I've gone to church. To some building, somewhere, usually with lots of people in it. They were usually dressed up, some in robes, and normally an organ played something. It was nice. It felt like church was supposed to feel.

But today, for the second time in a few weeks, I worshiped in a garage. And I never felt more like I was at church than I have these last few weeks. I don’t know how to explain it really, but somehow it was just “right.” Nobody complained because they didn't like the music, or the sermon was too long, or it was too cold, or the kids weren't dressed right…. Nobody cared when the prayer music was probably a bit too loud, or when I hit a D chord instead of a C. But everyone did listen to the message, everyone seemed to appreciate the prayers, we all sang, and we all took communion feeling that this was more than just a blind ritual.

Things that sometimes seem important many times turn out to be meaningless. The style of music? I've been to moving services with majestic organs and inspiring choirs, as well as those with just a guitar and and keyboard. I’m guessing God appreciates all kinds of music. Jeans or suits? It really just doesn't seem to matter.

In two weeks, our group will begin regular services at a very small room in a basement downtown. Just one room. I’m pretty sure it won’t look like a regular church. But we’re all excited about it. It will be a home, at least for a while, in which we can share with each other, and hopefully others as well, everything that we feel church can be.

No, church is not just a building. Church is more about people, and their mission, and their oneness in a belief they want to share. Church is about trying to follow Christ, and what he taught us. Church is about acceptance of everyone, even if they’re not just like us or don’t always agree with us, because that's what Jesus did.

You know, I’m not really sure exactly what church is. But I know it’s not just a building. In fact, I’m sure that the building is the least important part of it.

Ashamed of Christians?

First off, let me explain the title. I am NOT ashamed to be a Christian. Not even close. Although I will be the first to admit that I often struggle with my faith, I never hide it from anyone.

Also, I’m not saying I’m ashamed of all Christians, either. For the most part, the people that I know who seem to have the strongest faith are incredibly wonderful people, who nobody in his right mind could be ashamed of.

But then there are the others. In theory, a Christian is supposed to try to model his life after Christ, or so I’ve been told. Of course we all fall way short of that. That’s to be expected…we’re not Jesus.

But really, can’t we all at least try? From what I know of the New Testament, Jesus seemed to be about love, forgiveness, and helping others. In fact, he himself said “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Notice he said “love.” But it seems to me that many Christians kinda forget all about that part. They seem to think he said

• “Follow the rules” or 
• “Ostracize people who don’t agree with you” or maybe
• “Take revenge on people who have done you wrong”

Now, I know I’m not allowed to judge. And no, I don’t know what is in the hearts and minds of others. So it would be wrong for me to condemn these people. (He who is without sin...) But while I cannot condemn these people, I can be ashamed of their actions.

I know Christians who have “revenge lists” in their heads. And they seem to be proud of it. Proud of a list of people that they vow they will someday get back at for some perceived wrong these people have done. Somehow, I’m guessing Jesus didn't have that list.

Realistically, we all have people we would like to take revenge on. But most of us do our best NOT to follow on that impulse. Of course, sometimes we fail. But we try.

You know, I have lost count of the people I’ve talked to who refuse to go to church because they feel the leaders are the nastiest, most arrogant, and most hypocritical people they know. Maybe they're just using it as an excuse to sleep in on Sunday morning, but I have to admit that I understand what they’re saying. And it makes me ashamed.

This post might offend you. Honestly, it offends me, and I’m the one writing it. It pains me to say what I’m saying. Yet I can’t argue with one simple fact: some of the nastiest people I’ve ever met are every-Sunday church goers. Who say they love Jesus.

I just don’t get it.