Here's the church...Here's the steeple...Open the doors and see all the people.
Over the years I have spent quite a few hours thinking about a particular question - what is church? I've come to a few conclusions.
1. Church is not a building, though that is the name we call it.
2. "The church" is made up of the last part of the rhyme - people.
3. Everything else is just a human creation; such as the building that houses the church.
I have had the privilege of attending church around the globe. This opportunity only further solidified these conclusions for me.
Church can be held anywhere, at any time. Church can meet under a tree. Church can meet in a basement of an office building. Church can meet in homes or schools. Church is not the building - it is the people. Which I think is pretty amazing.
The other thing I've learned is the people are not one type, make, or creed. The church is diverse; made up of different colors, languages and traditions. To me that means the God we serve is bigger than my geographic location or culture.
One of the major criticisms of "the church" is all the money poured in to facilities. It is expensive to construct a building, maintain it, and keep the lights on. The worst part is, that after all that expense the building is often used infrequently. That is an unfortunate circumstance. However, since I've been back in the US this has not been my experience.
The church we have been attending houses many gatherings throughout the week. We meet on Sunday mornings, but Tuesday night a Spanish church uses the building, Wednesday it is used to feed the needy, Saturday night a Ghanian church meets...and those are only the activities I am aware of. I love that!
In recent weeks I have been visiting community-based health programs for work. I have been VERY encouraged by what I have seen...
One local church has converted their basement to a small free clinic - equipped with a waiting room, office space, space for vital sign checks and exam rooms. In addition to providing space for the clinic, this church provides hospitality for those who come to visit the clinic through baked goods (including sugar-free varieties for diabetics), drinks, gift cards for medicine purchases, bus tickets and more.
A second church provides a sit down dinner for the homeless and coordinates with the free clinic and state run community service board to provide clinical services. This church buses in the homeless and many others come via public transport. Those who come sign-up for services. Throughout the dinner they spend time with a doctor to talk about health problems, get needed medicine, or speak with someone about ongoing mental health issues. This service is changing lives for the better. Equipping individuals to improve the circumstances of their lives.
A third church hosted a health fair - including rapid HIV testing, blood donations, blood pressure screening, and a mobile van to check eye-sight and hearing. The group providing the eye and hearing screenings, also provides treatment for those in need - paid by their generous volunteers.
The church is alive and active - using their buildings as a community resource.
just Sheri, loving the open door policy
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