(One of several tombs at Abou Gosh. Courtesy of Library of Congress: LC-M33- 12343 [P&P])
My name is Hunter, and though I have been following Jesus for over thirty years, I have not completely figured out "church." And here I am a person with a vocational ministry calling ☺ Having been a part of a number of churches, I have experienced the beauty of church communities, but also plenty of strife within some church communities.
Yet thanks be to God, I have learned what Church truly is. Church comprises of Jesus as the Head, and people who believe in Him as his or her Savior and Lord. Followers of Jesus have been adopted as children of our Heavenly Father. Consisting of people from all "walks of life" including any ethnic group, any nationality, any church background, and on and on, the Church comprises of people who are genuine believers in Jesus. And God is working so His children become like Jesus in their hearts. The Holy Spirit works to enable us to be more loving.
"Churches," human institutions, result as communities, hopefully communities involving leaders who follow Jesus, which engage in worship, fellowship, education, service, etc. But there is a vast spectrum of convictions, styles and traditions in the countless churches. Various churches are a fit, or not a fit, for each individual. And church relationships involve work just as all relationships for us fallen people involve an investment of oneself to some degree.
In spite of countless church challenges, I am convinced "churches" are communities which God wants to exist to support the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to foster growth in the love of Jesus. The result is people being enabled to love God, and to love people, and to carry out the Great Commission. And we people were created to gain friendship with other people. The 2020 pandemic sure has emphasized my need for interaction with people outside of my home. Being mindful that we all have our flaws, a church with some loving folks is hopefully a place to gain some loving friends.
I am attempting the plant of a church here in Lakewood, Colorado, by the name of Christ's Love Church. Much has been accomplished, however there is still much which must happen in order for this church to become a reality. If you are giving consideration to finding a church, or if you are interested in using your gifts to help a church begin, reading the church website would be the first step to learn if this church might be a fit for you, and your spouse or family if you are blessed with such:
http://site56.wixsite.com/christslovechurch
Again, I definitely do not have "church" all figured out, yet I know I am privileged to be used by our Holy God to be a witness for Jesus, the One who died on a cross for the forgiveness of sins of anyone. Jesus was the atoning sacrifice for the consequence of sins by people, which is spiritual death. Then He was resurrected. If you believe in Jesus, you will have eternal life in heaven, and you will have peace from God in your heart.
Hunter
