![\"Christ](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/davidcprice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/09\/church.jpg?resize=175%2C222\" "\\"Christ")
I find that much of what we do (read: churches in America) provides little that is actually transformative in a person’s life (I understand that could be an overstatement).\u00a0 We do it simply because we always have.\u00a0 No one has ever stopped to actually ask, “Does this really make a difference?”\u00a0 Unfortunately, somewhere down the line, those things have become sacred.\u00a0 I mean, we’re clearly told in Scripture what<\/em> the church is supposed to be about, but we’re given no specific instruction on how<\/em> the church is supposed to specifically go about it. I think the reason we’re not told specifics of how we’re to function is because of the organic nature the church was designed to be.\u00a0 To put it simply, we’re to function simply.\u00a0 We’re supposed to be able to quickly adjust to the changing nature of the world so we can most effectively communicate the unchanging message that Christ is in the business of resurrection.\u00a0 We talked last night at Downpour how miraculous it is for someone to come to Christ.\u00a0 It is nothing less than someone who is dead coming to life.\u00a0 That’s miraculous.\u00a0 It’s the work the church is called to engage in…introducing people to Him and watching Him do His work in them.\u00a0 I’m afraid we’ve become so institutional that we fail to even understand where people are and are even less equipped to help them.<\/p>\nSo, what do you think?\u00a0 Is church something you look forward to or do you read this and hunger for something more like what I’m describing; something that actually adds meaning and purpose to your life; something you can’t wait to be a part of?\u00a0 Am I way off base?\u00a0 Or maybe you have had this kind of experience, either good or bad.\u00a0 Please share it with me…I’d love to learn from it.<\/p>\n![\"laughter\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/davidcprice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/09\/laughter.jpg?resize=208%2C208\" "\\"laughter\\"")
I am convinced that so much that people call essential for the church simply isn’t.\u00a0 We tend to try and do so many things, mostly badly, instead of finding the most important things and doing them exceptionally.\u00a0 Our churches are packed full of mediocre programs and burnt out people.\u00a0 What if we said “no” to a whole bunch of stuff (I’m talking programs, classes, pot-luck lunches, whatever), but looked at those few things that really<\/em> led people into a deep relationship with God, with each other and gave opportunities for them to make an impact on the world.\u00a0 What if we put all our energy into those few<\/em> things?\u00a0 Instead, we’re tired.\u00a0 We’re “there every time the door is open.”\u00a0 Funny, nobody ever says that with a smile on their face.\u00a0 Wonder why?\u00a0 Could it be that the door is open too often?\u00a0 That sounds heretical, doesn’t it? \u00a0 Don’t tell anybody I suggested it.\u00a0 But maybe if we could focus on the most important<\/em>, life-changing things we would actually look forward to those things.\u00a0 I know that Christ brings joy and satisfaction and excitement to life.\u00a0 His church should, too, shouldn’t it?\u00a0 I’m afraid too often we know what we need to do, we just lack the courage to move in that direction.\u00a0 Change is a fearful (and sometimes fearsome!) thing.\u00a0 Trust me, I know!<\/p>\n![\"worship\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/davidcprice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/09\/worship2.jpg?resize=506%2C127\" "\\"worship\\"")
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