There is something beautiful about worshiping God under the
stars. It is powerful to sing to
Him basking in the beauty of His creation. We are in the bush in Australia away from the walls of a
church, lighting systems, air conditioning, and cushy seats. We are away from the mega churches and
worship bands. We are away from
every picture I have ever had of the American church.
This
is what church looks like here. It
is a gathering of people in the street or under some sort of covering where
there is enough lights to see. If
it is available, someone will bring a keyboard or guitar so worship can
begin. The voices are raw but
joyful. Hearts are open as they
sing out to God. After an
undetermined amount of time, people are given the opportunity to speak. Yes, I said people. There are not very many pastors. In fact, if you can read and are not
currently struggling with alcohol addiction, you may be put in charge of the
church. People share what
God is teaching them. They hope to hear a word from God. They encourage one
another, pray for each other, and walk alongside one another in their
struggles. This is community. In the past week my have been given the
opportunity to speak at many meetings like this. It has been a blessing and
also an eye opening experience.
I
have seen how people value the Word, which we so often take for granted. They can’t wait for someone to read
from the Bible or to share scripture with them. How many times have I pushed my bible under my bed or put
off my quiet time? There is so
much I take for grated. I wait for
church to create an atmosphere for worship or complain if I don’t like the
songs. Since when was worship ever
about me? It seems so obviously
self centered when I write it out on paper, but I know most of us have done
this at one point or another in our lives. Some days I leave church thinking, well my pastor wasn’t
that entertaining today, I was kinda bored. Last time I checked, He was reading the word of God! Anyone see a problem with this?
I’m
so thankful that I have been stripped of all the luxuries of American church to
be reminded what worshiping and seeking God is really about. There is nothing wrong with sound
systems, nice chairs, funny pastors, or mega churches, but there is something
wrong when our heart strays from the way God intended church to function. I’m thankful that God is attainable no
matter your location, education, or financial status. He is ever present and loves us even when our hearts seem to
forget the HE is what church is all about.
