During the course of the seven months that we’ve been out here on the race, my mindset had changed drastically in some areas. For example, last night we had church. It was Sunday night, and rather than going to a typical style church, a group of believers gathered together to create their own church. After all, we are the church. My opinion of church has been altered in the last year. Sometimes it’s been difficult to get to a “church” building or there are no translators, so we don’t go. When I have the opportunity I did last night, I am thrilled. You can read Krystle’s blog to get an idea of what it was like two weeks ago when the three of us girls were here.
Basically, these believers from various denominational and cultural backgrounds get together to glorify their creator and let him move as he wishes. Last night there were people from the U.S, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Mozambique, U.K, Germany, Botswana, and probably others. There are no agendas; no list of songs to get through; no sermon with convenient fill-in-the blanks. Rather, a father and son begin by leading worship, and whatever happens after that, happens. Various people share aloud what they feel God is laying on their heart, someone may speak out in tongues, and others raise their hands or dance in worship. It is all very interactive with our Lord. Sometimes there is a specific bible verse or prayer laid on someone’s heart, and when they share it someone else is able to confirm that they were feeling the very same thing.
It’s a totally different style of church than I have ever experienced. It is fellowship, worship, and alone time with God all rolled into one. I feel no condemnation when I am quiet or when I am calling out shouts of praise. Likewise, it doesn’t really faze me when I hear or see someone else interacting with the Holy Spirit in their own way. It is just an incredible opportunity to soak in the Lord’s presence without telling him how the service is going to look.
This is no criticism on the American church. I just was challenged by this time. It seems more like what the bible talks about, and I want to incorporate it into my life. Can you imagine Jesus rolling in to town, and the people saying, “Jesus, I know you feel God is wanting to say something through you, but Jonny over here has a sermon to get through and I didn’t get to fill in point A-3, yet.” Where is the chance for Christians to share what God is saying or doing within a body of believers?
We are Jesus right now! The body of Christ IS Jesus, and each one of us has the ability to hear from God. Additionally, when God wants to speak through us, we ought to have the opportunity to share it. Or when we need prayer, let the whole congregation gather around you. Hold the sermon; stop the song. There are people slowly dying in pews while the rest of the church sits unaware. I am not saying that the way church is lead is wrong, per say. But I am saying, what if we created this kind of church as well. What if we gathered in smaller fellowship groups throughout the week and ministered to each other. Imagine if we spent time like this regularly—glorifying God for two hours in whatever way you desire—prayer, worship, dancing, shouting, tongues, kneeling, etc. How much would our intimacy with Christ change? How much would our intimacy with other believers and accountability transform?
