New Beginnings

Do you remember the childhood rhyme about the church and the steeple? It had hand motions that went along with it. "Here's the church, here's the steeple. Open the doors, see all the people." It perpetuates falsehood still believed by many today- that the church is the building in which people meet. But if we go back to the words of Jesus, we find that He teaches a far different truth. He calls the church the "ekklesia"- the called out ones. The ones He has called out from the world into personal relationship with Him. The church is not a building, its a "body"- the Body of Christ. And as each of us enters into relationship with Him, we also enter into relationship with everyone else who is in relationship with Him.

But please note: the common misconception about the church being the building is not harmless and innocent. It's destructive and counterproductive to the cause of Christ. By thinking of the church as the building, we think of it as something we control, something we maintain or change at our pleasure. The fact is, by thinking of the church's being the Body of Christ, it is revealed for what it really is- a living, dynamic entity. And by virtue of the fact that it is "living", we understand that it is constantly changing, growing, and evolving into whatever God determines it needs to be at that moment in order to accomplish His kingdom purpose. Thinking back to the childhood rhyme, perhaps a more biblically-based version might sound something like this- "Where's the church? Is it under the steeple? Look through the door... IT'S MADE UP OF PEOPLE!"

If you're interested in this living Body of Christ, and are willing to change as needed, to risk just about everything for the sake of His call on your life, we invite you to join us in this journey of faith. Check back here regularly for more details. God bless you!