CLERGY CORNER: What does “church” mean?

Posted on 09 July 2015 by LeslieM

A conservation scientist theorized that much of the negative feeling toward sharks is in the presentation, specifically the background music.

For example, when sharks are shown onscreen, ominous music is playing, almost vilifying them. However, for dolphins, it is always an upbeat and joyful tone — playful and fun. (No wonder everyone loves dolphins). During his experiment, when sharks were onscreen, cheerful music was playing, and just the opposite for the dolphins. As the researcher guessed, our brains were tricked. The sharks appeared to be the heroes of the sea, and the dolphins, the vicious creatures lurking below. And while it may be awhile before public opinion sways toward shark acceptance, one thing is for sure: What is heard affects human response.

So I am left wondering. Because people hear the old adage “going to church,” does this simple statement wreak havoc upon the mission of Christianity? How can one both go to church, and, what’s this now, be the church? Something does not align. And because of this misalignment, we sit comfortably in the pews playing church.

We are go-ers not do-ers of the Word. I don’t know about you, but that is not acceptable for me. I want my community to hear (through our actions) about the Church — its people loving others as He first loved us.

To do this we must recognize the Church is not a place one goes. The Church is the body of believers with a heart to serve and on a mission for God, taking the Word and putting it into action.

A popular First Baptist outreach event is our Laundry Love. Each year, we flood a couple of laundry mats with rolls of quarters and eager hands. Beyond the free wash, dry and fold are the hours of meaningful conversations and prayer. Inevitably, both patrons of the laundry mat and volunteers alike leave the event changed. On that day, we are the Church. Yet, the day is about something more. The point of an outreach is not to leave our safety zone, do a good deed and run back to base camp. No. Outreaches equip people to be the Church in all facets of their life — beyond Sunday. Trust me. There is nothing more humbling than folding another man’s tighty-whities. But it is in that moment of humility when hearts are changed. The reality of God is revealed and people’s faith becomes real; a paradigm shift occurs — from being about the sermon (going to church) to serving (being the Church). They are two very different things. One is a thing; the other is a way of life that brings glory to His name.

Truly, at the end of the day, what else matters than bringing glory to His name? It is not a request, but a calling. Yes, each of us is called to share the Good News. What’s that? You do not feel qualified … something about needing a degree to teach about Jesus?

Well, I’ve read and studied the Bible over. I have yet to find where Jesus denies someone based on their lack of formal education. Christ is about the surrendered heart, knowing Him, not just knowing about Him.

So be encouraged; check out what Hebrews asserts, Christ “equip[s] you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever.” That is right; you are called and He will equip you to be the Church — to complete His will, to bring glory to His name.

Does that get your heart racing? To know the Creator of everything has placed within you a mission to reach His people for the Kingdom? My prayer is that from this day forward you never just go to church again. Instead, you would be the Church.

Pastor Jeremy Earnest is pastor at First Baptist Church, 701 NW Eller St. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441. www.deerfieldfirst.com.

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