Presbos

On my most recent trip to Northern Ireland I was privileged enough to go to an evening of presbyterian event called 'New Horizon'. It was great. Worshipping with a few thousand christians from N. Ireland and hearing a sweet message with some quality sound bites (like "you serve the Lord in your way, I'll serve him in his" when talking about differing church theology... funny!).

I am not sure I can really remember what the message said ... but ... I think it had a bit of an impact on me. Stephen Gaukroger was talking about a lot of things, but what I remember was a message about getting over differences in different churches or denominations and coming together to work on what Jesus asked us to - making disciples, healing sick, serving poor...

I was excited and challenged by his message - I wrote this is my phone "Shouldn't church on a Sunday morning be low down on the list of priorities? After looking out. Reaching out. Being Community?" and "Lets move on from the issues of differing doctrine in theology to maturity in the love and hope in Christ. Taking his message and call seriously. To love neighbour. Serve poor."

Melissa and I then talked about what this meant. What we wanted church to be like.

I love the idea of church at the centre of community, a place where people can come, where anyone can come (of different background, personality, sexuality, status), and feel safe. Where alcoholics turn to prayer, where children get off the streets and learn, where single mums get support, where peace is found, where friendship is formed, where business is started, where songs, poetry, art, talents are developed, where homeless can live (?), and where Jesus is made known, glorified and worshipped.

This is not a place or a group of people whose sole purpose is a sunday morning, to hear God's word and worship him, but the beating heart of people's lives.

The phrase no longer could be or should be "I go to church" but "I am church" or "I live church".

A place where a businessman can rest with a former homeless recovering alcoholic. A place where a young person (a hoodie if you like) can play cops and robbers with a 6 year old. A place where a pregnant teenager can get realistic, helpful support and family.

A church that doesn't need to attract the local community to it.

Because it is the local community.

Shamelessly graceful, accepting and peaceful.

Jesus-ful.