Church Format Ideas...
What do you want to see at your church... this is a totally open question for all who want to discuss it and hopefully for the 2 groups launching churches it can provide some insight.I am excited to hear what you have to say. Perhaps when I am not bouncing a baby and typing with one hand I will answer it myself. I think that Aug is suggesting a charismatic church in this photo...amore a todos
Kel
P.S. Thanks Lunde for the prayer post
posted by Kelly Cook @ 1:42 PM
3 Comments:
I know what I want. After attending Johnny and Angie's beautiful wedding... and feeling like I haven't in a while... I want to really be able to experience God through my community. And perhaps now I know what that looks like, in some ways.
I was so thankful to have so many people around serving, to see subtle, spiritual music that really tuned my heart. The message was straight forward. The people were downplayed. The Holy Spirit was free to move with in the walls--- and did! I would like to see that in our church. I feel like we have touched it in the past, and I know that we can't meet everyone every time.
I do know that we can strive for a simple and spiritual service like I saw yesterday.
If I (or anyone for that matter) am going to spend 2 hours doing anything I want it to connect me to The Creator.
I want it to be edifying. More than that, I need it to. My life is kindof tough right now, and I need time to reflect and enjoy and experience God.
I want a service that is open and welcoming full of community and joy, and I want bits that are sacred, secret, me and my Abba.
Well said, Kel. Their ceremony truly was beautiful. I find sometimes that I separate myself emotionally a bit during moving services (Eric/Amy's and Tim/ Betony's weddings are other examples of this.), because I am afraid I will lose my composure and not be able to perform, or worse yet, be distracting. I stared at the music last night because I was afraid if I saw Angie walking down the aisle and everyone's reaction to her, it would have been too much for me, but even still, I felt the spiritual significance of what was happening. I love helping with the music, and I walk the fine line of truly participating without completely letting go. Ultimately, I know God won't be upset if I stop singing because I'm overwhelmed, but I guard myself. Maybe I shouldn't. I love what you said, Kelly, about experiencing God, but the question is, what can we do on our end to experience God more- to be receptive to him? Maybe it's an individualized process, not resting entirely on the service itself. Maybe it has to do with preparing one's heart and truly desiring that connection, ignoring the usual chatter in our minds (which reminds me of commercials in its volume and apparent urgency) to listen for the subtle, underlying presence. I would desire accountability from people attending my church- for their own mindset as they walk in, and also for participation. I think the sense of ownership that comes with contributing in one way or another to the atmosphere also helps us to be connected. I want to belong to a church where people are encouraged to use their gifts (and yes everyone is gifted) for the good of the whole. It doesn't have to be a completely structured role, but we should all take it upon ourselves to be proactive about the church, even if that just means engaging in conversation with others. I always find it awkward to talk to people I don't know well, and I think most people are the same way. I find though, that even the initial
awkward exchange can be a bonding experience, and that the next conversation I have with that individual is easier and less contrived. We all need to stretch ourselves, and it's important that as a community we come together to be a church. I also love the idea of incorporating service as a component of the church; I'm just not sure exactly how that should look. I have more specific ideas, but I will end this here for now, and I would love to hear others' thoughts about any of this.
-Christine
Both beautiful and thought provoking statements. I also long for things to be real and emotionally penetrating.
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