This is a concept that God has been really challenging me with for the last year or so. (This past spring I preached a series on this topic called “The Church has left the building“). Church is not somewhere we go and church is not something we do. We are the church seven days a week. The point being: being the church is not limited to just Sunday! We are the church all throughout the week as we go about our daily lives. We are the church when we are working at our 9 to 5 job. We are the church when we are looking after our kids. We are the church when we mowing our lawn. We are the church ALL the time! Sadly, this is a concept that many churches and Christians have not yet fully grasped.
A while back I came across a church that is seeking to build themselves around this concept of being the church seven days a week. The church is called Soul City Church. It is launching in Spring of 2010 in Chicago. Here is a video that explains what they believe about being the church:
I want to continue to grow in my understanding of what it means to be the church seven days a week. I know I have a long way to grow in this area but I am committed to living this out.
How about you, what is your concept of the church?
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Sermon synopsis 5/17 – The church has left the building Part 2 – Passion
We are the church 24/7
What does it mean to BE the church?
Church should be like a redeemed version of the culture we live in
Some food for thought about the church
We really do need to be the Church 7 days a week but the difficulty is in knowing what it means to be the church. How can we be something when we do know know it?
Kevin, one of the worst things that happened to us was to accept the idea that we are the church on Sunday and "normal" the rest of the week, that we could leave our faith at the church building exit. Then we bought the snake oil that we could change everything thorugh political power. Now, I sense God recentering us, in a whole host of ways. And It gives me hope. Thanks for the post.
It's funny how we take off our "church clothes," and put on our "work clothes" when they should probably be one and the same.
I think you've hit the nail on the head, Kevin… we need to be the church ALL the time… there isn't (or shouldn't be) any difference between how we act and treat others on a Sunday, compared to any other days/times.
It sounds so much easier than it really is…
Good point Nick! I think being the church is going to look different in each community/culture. We need to figure out what it looks like for our community.
Very true Glynn! The church has lived with this secular vs. sacred divide for too long and the church needs to return to the truth that everything we do is spiritual.
Yes they should! Thanks for sharing!
It definitely sounds a lot easier than it really is but the hard work is worth doing!
i thik that church will continue, in old ways of thinking, in new ways of thinking, always not perfect, and always leaving us trying to understand…yet, always continuing, until perfection comes.
God's love to you, kevin.
nancy
I think that this is taking it back to the basics. To the way it was in Acts. The people lived together, ate together, worked together, worshiped together. They took care of each other. They were a family. It's the way it SHOULD be. It's gonna look a little different in 2009 than it did in Acts, but the LOVE is going to be the same.
Amen Nancy! Thanks for sharing!
Very true indeed! Thanks for sharing Sarah!
Hi Pastor Kevin! I am REUEL TICA, pastor of hillcrest family life in the Philippines. The Church is a little over 2 years old now. We subscribe to CHURCH: 7 DAYS A WEEK.. Please visit our sites ” target=”_blank”>http://www.famlylifecenter.multiply.com
We would love to partner with you on the concept and nature of your Church.