I Used To Go To Church

GOD LOVES YOU SO MUCH as you are! He made the quirks in your personality... yup, even the weird quirks (we all have them) According to His Word, He wants you in a family of believers so you can grow together.

Church, as it’s most often used in our American lingo, as in Sunday morning worship services, is a gathering of people who realize that grace we've been given and are so thankful to our Father for loving and forgiving us and teaching us a better way. It’s when we come together united in our story of grace.

Church is when we come together as the Bible instructs to give GLORY to Jesus, our "older brother" and GLORY to our Father who made it all possible to even be considered part of God’s family.

Church is a group of people committed to one another - serving one another - because we realize that when we're alone, we're much easier target for the enemy (to bring doubt, discouragement...) and we're much more likely to fall into a me-centered lifestyle instead of a JESUS-centered one.

Church is a place where I discover that I might have the encouragement and hug or prophetic insight that someone else needs. (sure you can do this at the store… although the hug might be unwelcome lol ) but the church is where it’s designed to take place (See 1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians)

Church is where I might get the opportunity to teach little ones about our Savior and impact their lives forever! *Over 80 percent of adult Christians accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior in Next Gen Ministries!

Church is where I feel God's presence in a unique way - a way that GOD designed (not man - for anyone in the "deconstruction" mode) Many who are deconstructing their faith are simply unwilling to let God sanctify them through His still small voice or local church leadership. I’ve found it to be remarkable as a pastor how people will say they are hurt when in reality when you dig deep enough, you find that they were actually just asked to serve or encouraged to give. Many want the Christian label but are unwilling to take up their cross and give up their time or energy to serve others. They know all the songs and even the Christian lingo but when it comes to answering “Who are you serving?” They can’t say because life is all about them and how others have let them down.

This does NOT negate very real hurt and trauma. Trust me I’ve heard those stories of spiritual abuse - pastors insisting someone’s healing coming as a result of their giving, or a pastor telling them who to marry and who they can’t… Those stories of control are NOT Jesus-centered or Spirit-led.

Notice what happens as the people of God gather to inquire of God and bring Him praise. Notice how God shows up in a powerful way and shares what HE is able to do and GOING to do on their behalf!

“Meanwhile all Judah stood before the LORD, with their little ones, their wives, and their children. 14 And the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, in the midst of the assembly. 15 And he said, “Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the LORD to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s. 16 Tomorrow go down against them. Behold, they will come up by the ascent of Ziz. You will find them at the end of the valley, east of the wilderness of Jeruel. 17 You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the LORD will be with you.” 2 Ch 20:13–17

For those of of you that have left Church and consider it something in your past, I want to re-invite you. Did you notice how when they gathered in 2 Chronicles, something mysterious happened? The Spirit of God came down on the servant of God (a Levite who had dedicated His life to ministry) and God spoke a powerful word that encouraged all who were present. The Spirit of God comes down "in the midst" of His gathered people throughout the Word and throughout history.

You may be missing something POWERFUL that God wants to do in your life - a VICTORY for you and "your little ones" like the Word says here by simply not being present in the gathering. Many Christians don't gather anymore and "go to church" bc they're focusing too much on the past. They think (and say) “What I didn't like was…” or “I just don’t agree with ..” or “I wasn’t fed enough” or “I can’t believe the Pastor asked me to ______ How rude of him!” Is it possible that God, today, could take your eyes off of how you disagree with something or someone, and put them on the beauty of this sacred assembly called Church. There is truly nothing like it!

I witness it every week where someone will go over and encourage someone, pray with someone, offer to lend a hand at their house. I witness the tears of repentance as someone accepts Jesus as Lord as a prayer team member hugs them and celebrates their new faith and guides them through our discipleship process handing them a Bible and offering their phone number. I witness people texting or calling me saying “I can’t believe 5 families from my life group brought me a meal when ______ went in the Hospital last week!” or “I can’t believe I have a FAM team to help us in our foster care journey! This church is amazing!”

The “CHURCH” really is amazing. Yes, it has flaws because we’re a bunch of humans, all of us flawed and learning to love well and give patience to those who are new to their faith. But I know this, it’s a beautiful thing that Jesus has created!

And don't forget... YOU ARE LOVED! No one is "judging you" for being gone. They're gonna welcome you back with a HUGE HUG (at least they should lol) Satan will give you every reason imaginable to keep you away from Church. Jesus has given you countless reasons to stay. When Jesus returns, He’s coming back for a glorious, united Bride, His Church.