Church....What is It?

Webster defines church as:  1. a building for public worship, especially one for Christian worship, 2. public worship, religious service, 3. all Christians, 4. ecclesiastical government or its power as opposed to secular government, 5. the profession of the clergy, 6. a group of worshipers. 

My Pocket Word Finder Thesaurus uses these synonyms for church: basilica, chapel, cathedral, house of god (yep, god in lowercase), mosque, sanctuary, synagogue, tabernacle, temple.

Colossians says, "And he is the head of the body, the church..."  "....for the sake of his body, which is the church."

So, I ponder, what is church?  Is it the building?  Certainly, all my life it has been pounded into my head that the church is not a building.  Church is people.  So, Webster's 6th definition fits the boundaries of my upbringing.  My thesaurus offers nothing of any value within those parameters.  Colossians seems to be the final word, but what exactly does it mean?

I do not profess to have a lot of answers.  I know that church, as organized religion, has caused harm and hurt feelings for many.  I am fairly certain that a "perfect" building could be built, but there is no perfection in that church which is a group of worshipers. Church has its share of those seeking to be understood rather than to understand, who think if you do not reach their same conclusions about salvation then you are somehow lost, that "forsaking the assembly" is less about trying to white knuckle your way through life and more about some "lamb's book of life" where missing a service gives you yet another black mark.  Church is where arguments can grow heated over baptism and instrumental music and kitchens in the building and corporate support for orphans and widows and which political causes are acceptable to promote and which are not.  I know church is filled with "pie in the sky" views that if one lives right and does all the right things life with be easy and without trials.  I know church is filled with angry, vitriolic voices, who truly believe that is the only way they can be heard.  Frankly, I think those who consistently bang that drum eventually lose all credibility and influence.  Who in their right mind wants to be part of such a broken organization?  I do.

Last night, I witnessed Church at its best.  Church as the body of Christ.  Church working to help others.  I saw the results of those who decorated tables beautifully, who organized a silent auction, who designed and printed programs, who put together a beautiful video, who paid money to sponsor tables, who bought at the auction, who donated to the auction, all for the sake of educating inner city pre-schoolers. 

Because of the vision of a lovely man, Wayne Reed and a beautiful woman, Sandy Collins, there are children being given a step up before they enroll in school.  There are parents being educated and  trained for jobs.  There are moms being helped to understand developmental stages of their children.  There are people being loved and valued and cared for.  Without Church, I am not sure it could have all happened.

I saw people I love.  My precious friend, Ginger, who because there was a table between us and we couldn't hug, kissed me on the hand.  I love her.  She is my church.  My friend Gordon, a man quick to laugh, and who does not seem to age.  I have not seen him in a while, but I was grateful to give him a hug.  Paula and Terry, whom I do not see as often as I would like were at our table....a table sponsored by a young couple who strive to serve and love each other and those around them.  Chad and Laura are my church.  My mom, with whom I had lunch earlier in the day but who had to come give me a kiss and a hug...she is my church.  Mz. Bernie, she is my church.  Jennifer who hovered over a silent auction item, and with whom I have anticipation of sharing a meal in the not too distant future, is my church.  Doctor Tim is my church.  Frank, who has lain on his face at the Father's feet in prayer on behalf of my family is my church.  Sharon, who is genuinely thrilled for us, and who joins in our anticipation of grandchildren is my church.  Lee, oh, my goodness the exceptionally talented Lee Camp is my church.  Last night a room was filled with my church.  Money was raised.  Children will continue to be served.  Lives will be enriched.  Opportunities will be offered....because of church.

So, Church, what is it?  It is different things to different people.  Like all of life, we get out what we put into church.  Our attitudes affect how we view church.  What we put into church and how we view church flows and changes as our lives progress.  The Wayne Reed Christian Childcare Center is church at its best.  I praise God that He placed me in this time and place with His church. 

So for today, I wish you a revisiting of church, I wish you opportunities in service, and I wish you

blessings