A place to call home...

I think I'm an official church hopper. I've hopped around so many places the last two years I don't think I can remember all the places I've been right now. I don't feel too comfortable at the church in my hometown anymore - it doesn't help that I'm away for months at a time and can't participate. I haven't really found a place in CoMo that I feel comfortable at either. For a while I wasn't even sure what I should look for - but at least now I have some idea of what I don't want to be involved in. I know I won't be able to find the perfect church to join but I'd like to find one that is actually traveling toward some sort of Godly goal. I like progress. I like change for the better. Isn't that what Christ did for me?

Today I visited Grace Bible Church here in Columbia. Have to admit - I think I've been avoiding going because of the name. I feel like its very typical - grace bible.. I'm so judgmental. It was a pleasant surprise though - the whole experience. The main reason I decided to try Grace today was because the guy from the orphanage in the Philippines told me that the church was a supporter of the ministry and it would be good for me to visit them. I'm glad I did. I know it's sad but I can't really remember the last time I couldn't stop smiling during the service. Maybe its because I appreciate a good vocabulary (Pastor Mike Burt - he used the word archaic! how sweet is that?), or maybe it was because it was 40 degrees higher today than the past two ice age days we've had here... but I really felt energized the whole time! The music was great, and it was good to be surrounded by friends who I haven't seen for a whole month, but I don't think that had that much to do with how I felt.

Pastor Mike did a wonderful job of giving the sermon. He titled it "Biblical Church Growth" and it's from a series they are doing about the birth of the Church (from Acts 1-12). It's possible that he is one of the most lyrical public speakers I've heard. Not only could I hear the passion in his voice the words just seemed to flow out in perfect harmony. I could tell he loves God... and I definitely felt like God was using him to talk to me. God is humorous sometimes - Pastor Mike talked about The Church Essential (v.41 - what exactly is the church composed of and the point?), The Church Gathered (v.42-43 - fellowship), and The Church Scattered (v. 44-47 - locally and universally joined). (you should look them up yourself :) ) All of them had great points - but I think the one that hit me the most is when he talked about fellowship it the church. He seemed so confident to say that the Church today just doesn't do enough - which I was thinking "uh YEAH"... someone who finally preaches what I'd like to say to every church I've visited! There is a reason I don't feel comfortable or welcome.. its because people don't often get pass "hello, so glad you've came to church today!" I want a place where I'm needed, a place I can participate in, a place to do exactly what the Son asked us to do! I want a place where change is good, where progress is a community thing... I think Pastor Mike wants this too. The man seems to know what he's talking about and well studied.

I heard so many hopeful things today. Pastor Mike left my mind on two quotes from a man named Richard Baxter - a preacher from the 1660's!

Regarding the Church as a real community with real people who want real love to flow among them: "If they can see you love them, you can say anything to them". - Richard Baxter. Coming from a man who lived in the 1660's...thats pretty new age if you ask me. It's so true right? If we have a community that practices the love that our God shows then we should be able to teach or say anything to anyone within that collective. What? Whats that? We could - share? We could not be afraid of saying something to someone else because it wouldn't ruin our... status? I crave a church like that. I have experienced a lot of this at the BSU - why not a church?

Regarding our commission as the Church, Richard Baxter also said this: "I preached as never sure to preach again. And as a dying man to the dying men". If only the determination in this man's words would power me forever.. I'd take over the world (using only my good powers to the advantage of the oppressed, of course). As never sure to preach again... dying man to dying men - so poetic! So reflective of Jesus Christ.

I'd like to try Grace Bible again next sunday. I still have some reservations - I only saw one woman up on stage at a singular moment and I just wonder what they believe on women in leadership... I am always quick to judge but sometimes things seem too good to be true.

Yuck - I must get back to my studies.