You Do Not Have To Go To Church!
UNchurch
is not anti-church. If your are a happy church-goer, STOP reading; you
will be offended. I myself have been a churcher(my term) for over 20
years. I love worship, fellowship preaching, etc… BUT, the Father has
called me to a new way (an ancient way). OK, I warned you, here we go:
Church is not the answer. An authentic human-like relationship
(paternal or marital) with God is the answer. Church can be a starting
point for many, but is never the destination. For some, church is a way
for them to serve, share, learn, and worship; for others, it can be a
stumbling block. Many cannot find God because church is in the way. Be
released from guilt; church is not required.
<Holy crap, this is heresy!>
The
Bible does not demand that you worship in a certain place; consider
what Jesus said, “the hour comes, when you shall neither in this
mountain, nor yet in Jerusalem, worship the Father. You worship you know
not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But
the hour comes, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the
Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeks such to worship him.
God is Spirit: and they who worship him must worship him in spirit and
in truth” John 4
We
can’t make the journey alone….I know! We have to find another to
fellowship with. But church does not have to be the default answer.
Some people will never fit into the system. The Body of Christ is a
complex one. There are multiple and complex solutions to uniting those
who are on the Journey. Yes, the book of Hebrews(10) does say, “not
forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but
encouraging one another;” – but it doesn’t mention church. Remember,
Hebrews was written to Jews, who were used to going to synagogue; so,
they are being exhorted to still get together even though they don’t go
to synagogue anymore. Now, if you like synagogue(church), then go!
<You are being divisive>
I
don’t have to be divisive; the Body of Christ is divided*. Some are in
churches, and some are ‘the Church’, and are scattered, lonely, or
disgruntled. The goal for unchurched Christians is NOT about going to
church, but finding peace with God and others as the continue their
spiritual journey.
<”Church” is in the Bible! How do you avoid that!>
Simple Answer: whenever the Bible mentions ‘church’, it is never referring to a building.
Problem: whenever ‘church’ is mentioned in culture, it is referring to a building or religious system.
Due to my audience, when I use ‘church’, I am talking about the institution, and NOT the Kingdom, Bride, or the Body.
There
are different paths for different people; Jesus ate and drank with
sinners & went to the synagogue - He did both. The entire first
century church met in house churches. There is NO official way to
fellowship!! UNchurch
says: Be free! Be free to explore God and the path He lays before you.
Don’t let religious people or rules pull you down. You are just as
important to God as the Pope, George Bush, Rick Warren, the local
preacher, or whomever….. Continue your spiritual journey NOW with
freedom from religious guilt! “Wherever the Lord’s Spirit is, there is
freedom.” 2Cor3
-Mars
(OK,
now what??? First step: your family. Family first! Ask the Father to
show you how to ‘congregate’ & mutually edify your family.)
