As a kid, I went to church. Not much of an option there, really. My mother didn’t ask me if I felt like going, but told me we were going. After all, we’re Baptists. That’s what we do.
For most of my life, I talked about “going to church” as if church were a building or a place or an event. In fact, until very recently. Then I noticed something in the New Testament. Nowhere in there does anyone talk about going to church or referring to church as a building or an organization. Churches in the New Testament always refer to a community of believers. A family.
If I go to church, then church is something I do once or twice a week (three or more if you’re a really good Baptist!) I will act and think differently when I’m in church than when I’m not.
But if I’m reading my Bible right and I am a part of the community called the Church, then I take the Church with me wherever I go. I am never not “in church.” That means that I act and think the same way all the time.
It amazed me that ever since I’ve picked up on this, I hear people all the time talk about Church as if it were a place or a building or a service. I hear myself talking about “going to church.” I guess it’s a part of the culture I grew up in. That many of us grew up in.
It’s not a sin to say “going to church.” But if we really believe what’s in God’s word, then maybe it’s time to shift our thinking and stop going to church and start being the church. Maybe we need to break out of the four walls of church buildings and start taking the Church, the koinonia or “the community”, everywhere we go.
A pastor I heard today said something like this: “What frustrates the world is not that we’re different, but that we’re not different enough.” Maybe when the Church starts acting like the body of Christ, the hands and feet of Jesus, and not like brick and stone and mortar, they will start seeing the difference.
Another thing that irks me is the term “business meeting.” The church is not a business; it’s a family. But that is another topic for another blog someday.
Ragamuffingospelfan's Blog 
I agree whole-heartedly with you. I have been thinking the exact same thing for several months now. I’ve actually taken this thinking to somewhat of the extreme by not “going to church” since January. I’m trying to break myself of the mentality that I have to physcially be in a church service in order to be a “good Christian.” Sort of hard for this Southern Baptist born and raised boy. I want to be the Church. So, instead of “going to church” on Sunday mornings, I now meet with other believers several times throughout the week. We openly and very transparently share what is going on in our lives, we discuss Scripture, we pray for each other and we regularly share a meal together. I’m finding my relationship with Christ is much richer and I’m finding that I am being set free from having to “perform” (go to church every week, read my Bible every day, pray before meals, listen to the right music, etc.). Although those things are good, they do not make me a “good Christian.” God loves me period. I do not need to perform in order for Him to love me more. I have always believed that I am saved by grace through faith alone and not by works…so, why do I place a works mentality on my walk/relationship with Christ? That’s not freedom. It’s a subtle form of bondage and legalism. Thankfully, I’m learning to walk in true freedom.
Same here, Micheal. 🙂
Good points!
How could I not read a blog called RagamuffinGoseplFan! I must have read Brennan’s book 5 or 6 times as well as many of his other works. I love your excellent point about being the church, not just going to church. And I agree with the pastor, we aren’t nearly different enough. Thanks, Greg.
Thanks for sharing thoughts like this. May the Lord bless you more.
Good one! May I link this to my next post? I started my blog recently and posted my first called “10 Reasons Why I Don’t Go to Church Anymore.” I had a similar experience as yours. Bless you. 🙂
You may! I would be honored.
I would love to read your blog. Can you provide the link?
Thank you!
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Reblogged this on sparkythejesusfreak's Blog and commented:
“Going vs. Being” Exactly what’s been on my heart and mind for quite some time now. Well spoken.
I find it a problem not going.