But that's not what is on my heart right now.
It's more of the problems with the church. Why today seemed like the day I wanted to share how I feel, I'm not sure. But that's okay.
Chris and I were drinking coffee and spending time in the word while listening to the Casting Crowns station on Pandora when this song came on:
If you haven't heard it, you really should pay attention. These are the lyrics that stopped me in my tracks as I was having my quiet time this morning. And apparently Chris too.
"Does anybody hear her? Can anybody see?
Or does anybody even know she's going down today
Under the shadow of our steeple
With all the lost and lonely people
Searching for the hope that's tucked away in you and me
Does anybody hear her? Can anybody see?
If judgment looms under every steeple
If lofty glances from lofty people
Can't see past her scarlet letter
And we've never even met her"
Chris and I are in the process of switching churches. We both grew up Lutheran, so when we moved, we stayed Lutheran. It was easy. We loved the church we found and we made instant friends who have become more like family. It has been such a blessing. But we soon realized there was no one our age, and that wasn't going to change. We needed fellowship with peers. We also weren't being pushed spiritually. And...well... we saw the ugly side of the church. And yes, I know there is an ugly side to every church.
Like so many churches, it was the presentation that was important. It was the flowers on the altar, the organ, the parking lot, etc. Church became about the potlucks, the dinners, the cakes, the trips- the social part in general. Church family judged rather than loved. A hoodie and jeans became unworthy to wear to church. Gossip consumed conversation. Gossip about other members kept us from loving. I say us because I took part, and still find it a struggle not to. There was no room, or time left to worship. We saw ourselves and others becoming Marthas. I do not want to be a Martha. And worse, we saw the typical "Christian" by the worlds standards. We were letting ourselves become comfortable with going and doing, rather than bowing and praising.
We began to forget the people. The suffering. The stories. The service. The worship. The repentance.
The church has become side tracked.
The church has become side tracked.
I could go on with things I noticed, but that's not important. What's important is that we worship in a place where the girl in the song would not go unnoticed. That we worship in a place that she would be accepted. Where each member reaches out and loves. Where we serve because we want to love on others. Where Christ is the absolute center of worship. Where the goal of the church is to bring others to know Christ. Where we are pushed. Where we are held accountable.
I want to make it clear that I am not upset with our old church. I am grateful for everything we learned, and especially the people. Many of whom we will be celebrating Easter with. They became family. It was our first church as a married couple. There are wonderful people there, many of whom are ready and willing to serve.
But I want more. I want to serve constantly. I want to make it a mission to bring others to Christ. I want to "Go and make disciples". And I want my church family to come along.
I want to make it clear that I am not upset with our old church. I am grateful for everything we learned, and especially the people. Many of whom we will be celebrating Easter with. They became family. It was our first church as a married couple. There are wonderful people there, many of whom are ready and willing to serve.
But I want more. I want to serve constantly. I want to make it a mission to bring others to Christ. I want to "Go and make disciples". And I want my church family to come along.
