salt-shaker.blog

As I sit groggy and propped up in bed after a minor foot surgery I marvel at how the body rallies to protect itself. My good foot unconsciously holds the blankets up so they don’t press down on the bad one. My body wholeheartedly goes into relax mode so I don’t have to walk much. Sleep silently facilitates the healing process, a miracle in itself. No wonder Paul uses the body as an object lesson for the church – every part protecting and caring for every other part. Not just a few prominent parts, but every part in turn exercising its protective care. This mindset seems to be fading in our present day gatherings, and the church suffers.

Why do we ‘go to church’? We are seeking social support and a place of service as well as spiritual guidance. As fundamentally social creatures we long for connection with likeminded souls. We are told in Scripture to gather, but not as spectators. Leadership’s intentions are good, and it is a daunting task to shepherd a motley crew. Hell itself is set against success. So perhaps it is easier for them to take the reins, shifting from “every joint” to something more manageable and less messy. Hiring trained professionals and implementing programs is the template. But we need every gift the Holy Spirit has imparted to be used!

From its very infancy, the church has had issues. Yet for all her missteps and mistakes, Jesus is immeasurably committed. He does indeed evaluate (read Revelation 2 and 3!) and calls us out. Yet I think He may be standing outside knocking (like that familiar picture), perhaps looking to replace programs with His presence. The question “What would Jesus do?” is replaced with “What methods are effective?”. Leadership without the Head? Imperceptible yet deadly!

Paying a few to do the work of “considering how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds” relieves us of our individual responsibility. Our money replaces our service. This mindset cripples our hearts and robs us of opportunity for spiritual growth. We trust talent rather than the Spirit. God has His ways for His people, and the struggle since Adam remains choosing faith over logic, over our definition of success, over cultural norms. Remember Israel’s demand “We want a king like all the other nations.”? God’s style of leadership was too radical then and it still is.

So here we are, trying “not to neglect the gathering of (y)ourselves together…” but finding it difficult to get beyond superficial social interaction with believers sitting right next to us – magnificent immortals walking a narrow road to God’s kingdom. If we are temperamentally aggressive we may make the effort to get to know people, but the shy person easily slips through the cracks. If you have a baby or serious health needs the women snap into action showering you with food and care. It is wonderful!! Because the issues are physical we can identify them and give help. Sadly, unless your need is obvious, it is hidden behind your handshake-smile, insecurity triumphing over soul care unless there is a keen eye and a shepherd’s heart. Like my foot, healing requires the cooperation of lots of body parts.

The church is responsible to provide for spiritual interaction born from the realization that we are in mortal combat. We need more than Bible knowledge to succeed. We need spiritual companionship. Preaching is easier. Where I attend the sermons are usually great, and I often sit there afterwards longing to share the moment in prayer, inviting a second and a Third person into my commitment or revelation. But the meetings are set up so that it is awkward. Yes, once a month the elders are up front to pray with us, but it might be embarrassing to trot up there, and you question whether you have anything serious enough to make the trip. Or maybe your problem can’t wait until then. God’s house is supposed to be a house of prayer, but to the casual observer it is more sermon and program, its ‘success’ dependent more on the talent of the people up front than reliance on Jesus – and also measured more by seat warmers than disciples. There’s more work to be done than a small group of leaders can do. Everyone must be taught and expected to be spiritually exercised.

OK, any fool can spot a problem. Why don’t I just change churches, you ask? Because this is pretty much. the blueprint for Christian gathering these days. And I want to be part of the solution. It would be fairly simple, taking minimal tweaks organizationally, yet requiring tremendous trust in the integrity of the body and the Holy Spirit. What if the church was encouraged to talk or pray with one another right after the service as they felt led? Or to sit in silent reflection? Or to occasionally take five minutes before or after worship to break into groups and pray for the city, the church, the harvest? Or to acquaint themselves with someone unfamiliar? What if the leadership persistently modeled it, inviting and training others to help shepherd?

Connection! Care! It’s why we come to church – to connect with God AND His people. We NEED every joint to supply – it’s too big a task for a few leaders! We as the church must not let the person next to us leave unattended, unnoticed, or ignored. Let’s ‘go to church’ with a verse or a thoughtful question on our hearts and listen for God’s leading to bless someone. After all, if we love Jesus we are called to love His people. Let’s go for it!