Happy Birthday to the Church – it’s Pentecost!

But if Pentecost is considered the birthday of the church, what exactly is “the Church”?  My friend Rob dealt with this subject in his talk/sermon at Spirit Garage this Sunday.  It was the first time I’ve sat with my family through a whole worship service since my kids were born.  It was also the first time in a very long time that I’ve worshipped in another church – not “in” but “with”.  Thanks Rob and Spirit Garage for filling me up this Sunday!

A church, small “c”, is just a building.  I’ve been in churches that were museums.  I’ve been in churches that were art galleries, coffee shops, and condos.  I’ve been in abandoned churches in the country, slowly decaying and falling apart physically.  I’ve been in dying and decaying churches falling apart spiritually.

Today I was reminded of the Church, big “C”, a gathering of people seeking after God.  Some were mature believers, some were just getting started on the way (and I’m not just talking about baby Anastasia that was Baptized).  Some were seekers, some were just curious, and some came because there was good coffee and you could bring it with you into the worship space.  But what struck me was that this community of people were authentically welcoming and hospitable, they were obviously enjoying doing their parts in the service together and were really listening, paying attention, and participating wholeheartedly in the worship of God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  

Spirit Garage was very laid back and casual, and a very diverse group of people.  They were honest about their struggles and failures, brokenness, and need for forgiveness and new life in God.  No pretentiousness, no putting on a “happy face,” no “playing church” or “going through the motions.”  They were not “church-y” in that very negative sort of way that often turns people off, or turns them away.  They were just trying to be the kind of people God wants them to be, followers of Jesus.

I am glad that God made each Church different and unique, which is a reflection of the diversity of God’s many different people.  Yet when the community of believers and followers forget that the most important thing is being honest and authentic followers of Jesus Christ, with all of our weaknesses, wounded-ness, strengths, and gifts, we stop being the Church, and become merely a church.  

The Church is the Body of Christ formed by God’s Spirit

Are you being honest about who you are and your need for God?  Are you really listening to God?   Are you paying attention to and open to the work of the Holy Spirit in your life and in the lives of others?  Are you part of a community of people on the journey of faith, to help and be helped, to encourage and be encouraged, to learn and grow and serve together?  If so, then no matter how imperfect, you’ve found the Church.  And since the Holy Spirit calls, gathers, and enlightens the Church, that means that God has put you together with that group of followers for a reason, to give and to receive, and to incarnate the Body of Christ together.  Wherever you are and with whomever you are, strive to be the Church, not just a church.  And the only way that will happen is when you ask for and are open to God’s Spirit, even at a Spirit Garage.