I LOVE church

You hear it all the time, don't you? "I love God, but I hate church." Can I tell you quickly before you stop reading that that statement is self-righteous and hypocritical. It's ironic to me that people who hate church usually hate church because of the self-righteousness and hypocrisy they see "at church" when they are participating in their own objection by making the judgment.

I LOVE church. I love people who have a strong preference for music because they always have an amazing story of how God worked in this world (usually about the time that their favorite music was popular). I love mistakes during the service because it reminds us that God will be satisfied with no pre-packaged, rote presentation. I love when the projected words are on the wrong screen because it gives a chance to improvise. I love when an older woman's wig moves on her head during a service because it reminds me how much she cares about what she looks like today and how much I don't. I love when the person in front says "greet someone around you" and I get to shake the hand of someone I never met, and I love it more when I shake the hand of someone who knows I'm a jerk (and maybe has even "judged me") but now we worked out and he still loves me. I also love it when I see the person across the room whom I have hurt shaking someone else's hand--it reminds me that I have work to do. I love conversations in the hallway with the neediest person (again)--the one whose been living all week off the stuff we talked about last week. I love when kids cry out during the service because children are a blessing from the Lord. I (usually) love it when some of my plans are interrupted with a surprise--an urgent need--because when I look back at things later, it is so often the hand of God which seems to be interrupting. I love brokenness because it so often leads to healing. I love open and far-reaching confession because faith and repentance are required for salvation. I love the bad coffee that churches are famous for because it reminds me that church should stick to Scripture (and community) and let Starbucks make the coffee. I love the huger pangs I get during the third point because it reminds me that man shall not live on bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the Word of God. I love (most) confrontations because it gives me (or the person being confronted; or both of us) opportunity to change and grow. I love giving grace to others because I love receiving it from them. I love singing that one praise song 3 weeks in a row because then I know the heart of the song leader better (that's his favorite right now). I love how diverse and unique all the people of the church are because it provides ministries to all sorts of different people. I love Saturdays because I can't wait for Sundays. I love walking with friends through their dark valleys (this is one of the greatest privileges about leading in a church); I love when friends walk my dark valleys with me. I love the Word of God because it does not change.

So, ya. In a week of unbelievably heavy circumstances and troubles (in the church!!), "I love the church!" And I am so glad that Christ loves her more.

If you have been hurt in a church, welcome to the club. I wonder if we would each ask the better question, "Who have I hurt through or at church." Since you are a priest in Christ, and therefore a "church leader," I implore you to ask that question before you miss another week of fellowship. If you are "in Christ" then you are the church. We are all hypocrites who have been forgiven and are being changed into the image of Christ. One cannot "love God" but "hate" his bride.

I LOVE church!!