Sunday, December 28, 2008

Church

So I'm wondering how everyone feels about the modern day church. Not just as a whole, but also specifically about your own church. Frankly, I've been to LOTS of churches. Some were way off based, some I consider to be great churches. But I am at a loss. I just don't think I can do church anymore. OH NO! Don't everybody freak out. I will still go to church until I find something better. I just look at church, and look at Jesus' ministry, and they really don't look anything alike to me. We all get dressed up nice, go to SS, eat our little snacks, spend the whole time talking about our week and how things are, then squeeze in 15-20 minutes of the same stories we've heard since we were kids. Then we have "Worship Service." Everyone sits together, half heartedly sings a few songs, searches for things to criticize in thier heads, smiles and shakes hands with the few people around them at the appropriate time, and listens to a message that is not so different from what the kids hear in children's church. That wouldn't be so bad, but that's all there is. Now I look at Streetscape Ministries. Everyday they have devotions in the morning, which may consist of preaching, singing, and (real)discussion. Then they spend most of the day reaching out to those around them (prostitutes, drug dealers, addicts, homeless, homosexuals, satanists, whatever). Every Saturday they feed the hungry. Whoever needs them. Which one sounds more like Christ's ministry? Really. Don't get me wrong. I'm not talking about the people. I know that noone is perfect, and Streetscape ministries has just as many flaws a my church. But is the way the church is today(even the best of them) really how we want it to be? Scratch that. The way it should be? You know my father has an interesting thought that I agree with. The "Great falling away of the Church" in end times probably doesn't mean a lack of attendence. It probably means that there will be a lack of Spirit in the attendees. Sadly, that is what I am seeing more and more. So, here I sit. Pondering my options. I just can't do "church" anymore. I'll attend until I figure out something real. But I'd be interested on hearing anyone's comments if you do read this. Don't get me wrong.... I don't hate the church or the people in it. In fact I love them and it breaks my heart to see what most have resigned themselves to. Hope everyone understands. If not, so goes the story of me. Its fun being unusual:)