The local church is not an obligation nor a place meant to appease you. It is an opportunity to serve a family because God grafted you into His. -Lyndsie Schnoor
In this present time, we are watching the Lord sift and shift through our culture. We have watched more than handful of prominent leaders step down or be ushered out of their positions (both secular and sacred). I have watched this happen over the last few years at the state and community levels as well.
God is building a firm foundation for the Church to have the capacity to sustain the move that is going to take place. Jesus, Himself, instituted offices to assist in the structure that would allow us to mature well. Ephesians 4:11-16
Many believers will say that the Church is not relegated to the houses of worship that many of us serve- I don't disagree. What I do challenge these with is to explain God's plan and desire to equip that Church outside of community that is laid out by Jesus. These communities and families of worship amongst His greater plan for the Big "C" Church exist to equip, empower, encourage, edify and exhort believers within the healthy context and infrastructure of relationship. How will you grow, be held responsible, be corrected or learn to live alongside those you don't always agree with outside of intentional community? You won't.
I think that we should be asking ourselves why we "go" to church? I think it's time for some hard conversations, some soul searching moments on all of our behalves and a time for the local church to become the families that God intended them to be to raise mature believers amongst themselves. THAT is how the CHURCH- the Victorious Bride will be realized. Healthy families create healthy communities and healthy communities change culture. First the natural, then the spiritual 1 Corinthians 15:46.
So, believer, why are you at your church- to serve or to be served?
