What Church is Supposed to Be
Real Live Preacher ends a post on Ash Wednesday with this:
Amen, Preacher, amen.
Let me tell you what church is supposed to be. It is supposed to be a community of friends who have walked together through the good times and the hard times of life so that their shared history is more powerful than their differences. It is a gathering of spiritual seekers who do not demand exact conformity in every doctrine, but acknowledge a shared commitment to Christ and fidelity in living. There is real trust and love. Mistakes are made and people are forgiven. And you feel safe. Safe enough to laugh or cry. Safe enough even to sneak up to the front of the church and have a little fun with the ashes.
Amen, Preacher, amen.
posted by Michelle at 9:54 am
1 Comments:
Prayer
Dear God,
We yearn to be the church you want us to become.
There is a restlessness among us and
we are waiting for something to be born.
We want to join in what you are already doing in the world.
In our worship and life together, in our ministry and outreach,
we want to give people a glimpse of your intentions
for the whole world.
Help us to welcome sinners, love our enemies, and form a community
that is visibly different from the culture around us
as a sign of what you are doing in the world.
Help us experience your love and grace, grow in our relationship with Jesus,
and experience the power of your Spirit
as we offer your good news to others.
Amen
http://www.mennoniteusa.org/missionalchurch/pathways.asp#Data
Post a Comment
<< Home