The Good Church

I spent ten days going through ten indictments against the church. It was exhausting. I took the last couple of days off. Each of the indictments is right and we should all be working to respond. However,  I would be guilty of massive imbalance if I didn’t talk about The Good Church. Not everything is gloom and doom. Not every “christian” is controlling, self-centered, and demon influenced. There are plenty of selfless, loving followers. The Church is Christ’s bride and it is alive and, in significant spots, is looking good. As evidence, I offer the following:

Amana Christian Fellowship – Forgive me if I start with my church. I know it best and am extremely proud of it. We have a wise and loving Senior Pastor. We have an energetic, humble, and giving pastor. I am amazed at the depth of knowledge in one so young. I learn something every time I hear him teach and, more importantly, I learn when I watch him work. The last couple of weeks I sat on the last row and Christ’s words about loving each other came to mind. Sunday we had to dig out three dozen extra chairs. This morning one of the regular guys was there making sure the extra chairs were put up and everything was ship-shape. In our church, everyone contributes. Amana, I love you guys.

Not Just one great church. The great news is that I know there are many other great churches in this area alone. I have been blessed to work with followers from many of them.

Kairos. I have often mentioned Kairos a lay led ministry in which regular folks from many denominations of different color work together to bring Jesus to prisons. Last November, they did it again at Angola and at prisons throughout the world.

Twelve Days of Christmas.  Locally followers from different churches are meeting each night to share Jesus and the real meaning of Christmas. Come to Parc San Souci and see at 6:30 any evening through the 23rd.

Covenant Spotlight If you haven’t seen a copy of our local Christian magazine, you are missing out. It has the same elements: different churches, ordinary people, loving outreach.

These are just examples from my personal experience. I know there are more and would love to hear about them. God is preparing His bride for His return. He is doing it outside the traditional structures. It’s not happening in denominations, but in personal independent explosions of His love and grace. He is breaking down barriers of denomination and race. He is working from the bottom up. As He has always preferred he is working through the weak and unexpected. If you are not involved, you are really missing out.