Church.
Something I took for granted in America.
Something I miss.
Something I’ve had to learn to live without.
But something I now view in a different light.
I’ve gone to church on the Race but I haven’t been to an English-speaking church since I left America. And now coming into month 10 I long for an English-speaking church. However, I have been learning sooooo much about church and what church should be about.
“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”
Acts 2:42-47 ESV
Church is the body of believers, devoted to learning and growing together, breaking bread around the dinner table, and having communion in remembrance of Jesus on the cross for us. The church in Acts grew because people wanted what they had: Love. The love they had for God and the love they had for each other. People were consumed with awe at who these believers were and how they acted towards each other.
So for me I’ve learned that church can be big or small. As long as 2 or more are gathered, there is church and there is fellowship.
However, not being at an English-speaking church has taught me so much.
First, it has taught me that “church” is not where my growth comes from. My relationship with Christ is not dependent on church. This has also helped my time alone with God too. I have learned what it truly means to dive into His word and how to worship and how to talk to Him. The Bible has come more alive for me this year than it ever has in my life. I have had soo much more freedom in my worship and in my time with Him. Rooftops have become one of my favorite places to be for worship. I usually find the place with the best view and look out and sometimes I just worship and sing praises to God. I lift my arms in full surrender and just spend time with God.
Another thing I have learned is that I can hear God even when I don’t understand what’s going on. Whether it is through prayer or just standing there listening or watching others worship.
In Colombia, I experienced church for the first time in a different language. I was honestly amazed at how the Lord could speak even when I didn’t know the words to the songs. But the surprising thing was that some of the songs they sang were popular songs we sing in English but in Spanish.
In Africa, I experienced what it truly meant to worship with your entire body. One of my squad mates gave a devotion and said, “Sometimes you just have to move when you worship because your feet also want to worship the Lord.” But I also learned how to stay still in the Lord’s presence when everyone is dancing around me.
Another thing I learned in Africa was what it means to truly get your heart right with the Lord before you start church. It was so beautiful to watch people come in to worship and before they sing or talk to anyone they prepare their hearts and talk to God first. It was honestly so humbling to watch. This has been something I have taken to my own time with the Lord. I spend time just meditating or listening to the Lord before I even open my Bible. I want my heart to be ready for my time with Him.
So church. A gathering of believers. Worshipping together. Where there is fellowship. And there is vulnerability. Talk of sins and struggles, so there can be encouragement or building up. But where there is also a space for freedom and fun.
So why do you go to church?
Is it for the breakfast? Is it because of the people? Is it because of the pastor or the sermon? Is it because of the music? Is it because it looks good to others?
Or is it because behind the church is a God who is the Great I Am, who loves us and whom you have a relationship with?
