News from the Pastor

​Most people talk of “going to church” rather than “being the church.”
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There are significant differences between the two statements. “Going to church” infers that “church” is a static, bricks and mortar building, that it’s a place that one goes to. “Being the church” infers that “church” is a dynamic, living, breathing entity which moves and has its being wherever it’s seeking to do ministry in Jesus’ name.

“Going to church” infers that it is something one can “take” or “leave,” that it will still be there if one does not attend, that it exists whether or not anyone gathers where it is located. “Being the church” infers that without one’s involvement the church ceases to exist or at least ceases to be effective or of any consequence.

“Going to church” is what those who have their names on the membership roles but do not attend on a regular basis (more than two times a year) do. They are church members in name only. “Being the church” is what those who seek to live out their Christian faith day-by-day do. For them, the church is wherever they are, it’s doing whatever they’re doing, it’s ministering to others as they minister to others. “Being the church” means you gather together—in a building or elsewhere—to renew and restrengthen each other’s faith by worshipping God and hearing His Word as shared by His Holy Spirit communicating with our spirits.

As “going to church” becomes the dominate theme of the majority of the members in any congregation, that congregation is declining and unless the theme of their membership changes to “being the church” that church will eventually cease to be.

How then do we change themes? First, by recognizing “the church of Jesus Christ” is not a building, no matter how beautiful or historic it may be. The building is the place where “the church” gathers. Without a gathered congregation, the building is just another building created by human beings. With a gathered congregation, “the church” becomes a creation of Jesus Christ Himself.

We change from “going to church” to “being the church” by changing how we think about what “the church” truly is, by seeing “the church” as something dynamic and alive rather than static and made of bricks and mortar. When we think of “the church” as being made of flesh and blood, of bones and muscle, then we will see ourselves as “being the church” rather than “going to church.” Then we will see the need for gathering together on a regular basis in order to maintain and increase our strength and ability to “be the church of Jesus Christ, our Lord.”
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Be Blessed! Pastor Gary