To Be or Not To Be the Church?

Over the next couple of weeks, some of the churches on our district are taking part in a "Faith in Action - Don't Go to Church, Be the Church" Sunday. In place of their normal schedule of worship services, these congregations will, as a church family, step outside the walls and serve their community in a variety of ways. Trash will be picked up, school yards cared for, homes repaired, nursing home residents ministered to - all in the name of Jesus, with no strings attached. The driving desire of these pastors and congregations is to connect with their community, demonstrating the love and grace of God through acts of kindness and service.

My family and I have participated in "Be the Church Sunday" with our own local church for the last two years, and we look forward to being a part of it once again this week. I have witnessed its impact on both those who serve and the ones being served. When done in the right spirit and with the right motivation, stepping outside of our normal activities for the day and pushing ourselves out beyond the walls of the church can be used by God as a powerful, formative experience of His grace. For those of us in the church, it reminds us that true worship is more than what we do inside the sanctuary and that we are called to be "doers" of the Word, not just "listeners." For those we serve in our community, we become a parable of Jesus, a concrete and visible illustration of His love and grace. It is a statement to the world around us that we are not here to serve ourselves and our own interests, or to be a private, exclusive club. Our call, our mission, and our desire is to be a reflection of the unfailing love and mercy of a God who longs to restore all that which is lost and broken.

The churches participating are not, as some have suggested, rejecting the value or need for preaching and worship services. They preach faithfully and consistently, they worship through music, rejoice in the testimonies of others, baptize believers, and share in communion. They do not see serving the community as a rejection of all these things, or the only thing that is needed; they are simply giving some intentional focus to an aspect of discipleship that is too often overlooked. Jesus not only proclaimed the kingdom of God verbally - He also demonstrated the power and grace of His kingdom through loving service to others. For the followers of Jesus, it is not a matter of one versus the other - it is all a part of a life that is offered up to God in worship.

Participating churches are not, as some claim, "forsaking the assembly." They meet together faithfully and consistently, in a variety of ways, and always with the purpose of experiencing the grace of God in the body of believers. On "Be the Church Sunday," they will come together - they come together to serve others in the Spirit of Christ. Their service becomes an act of worship, and as they offer it up, God is present, doing His work both in them and through them, shaping them more into the image of Jesus and revealing His love to a broken, hurting world.

These churches are not, as some have accused, trying to desecrate or disrespect the Sabbath. In Matthew 12, Jesus was challenged by those who defined the Sabbath by particular rituals and observances. In response, Jesus turned to the words found in Hosea 6:6, "I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices." His message to them was clear: the purpose and spirit of the law should take precedence over their rituals of the law. That message was reinforced by His words in verse 12, "Yes, the law permits a person to do good on the Sabbath." Rather than disrespecting the Sabbath, some of our churches are setting aside this day to honor it in a different way - by embodying Jesus in their community. Returning to Matthew 12, Jesus proclaimed Himself "Lord, even over the Sabbath." (vs. 8) So, if He is Lord of the Sabbath, and what these churches do this Sunday honors Jesus, then doesn't it honor the Sabbath as well?

Before anyone becomes defensive, let me make this clear: in no way am I saying that a church is wrong not to participate, that everyone must share the same opinion, or that every church should do it the same way. I understand that there are those who are personally uncomfortable with not having the usual worship service on Sunday. I fully understand that no one style or approach to ministry works in every context. And if your own convictions on the matter prevent you from participating in this event, then I fully respect that, want you to honor your convictions, and would object to any attempt to condemn you for your views. But with that said, let me ask this: shouldn't that same spirit of grace be extended to those who will take part?

In the church, we will always face non-essential matters that result in disagreement and differing opinions. Such differences are to be expected and are not wrong in themselves. When those differences, however, produce a spirit of judgment or condemnation toward our brothers and sisters in Christ or toward another church, we are no longer in line with what we are called to be. I hope we will take to heart Paul's direction in Romans 14:

"Who are you to condemn someone else's servants? They are responsible to the Lord, so let him judge whether they are right or wrong. And with the Lord's help, they will do what is right and will receive his approval. In the same way, some think one day is more holy than another day, while others think every day is alike. You should each be fully convinced that whichever day you choose is acceptable. . . So let's stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall."

I pray for the churches that will take part in "Don't Go to Church, Be the Church." I pray that God will do something wonderful in them and through them as they serve their communities in a spirit of love, offering up their lives as sacrifices of worship. I pray just as sincerely for the churches that will have their normal schedule of worship services. I ask God to be present and powerful in all that is done, and that all those attending will experience a genuine encounter with Him. Whatever we do, and however we go about doing it, may it all be for the glory of God and His kingdom. And may we all be glad for one another and the different ways the Spirit is working in the life of His Church.