The Church Isn't

By Jim Faughn

    It seems that many today have relegated the church to the pages of history. Somehow, in their way of thinking, the church either ceased to exist or ceased to be relevant a long time ago.
    I realize that most of the people who read this would not agree with that kind of thinking. We would assert that the church is, indeed, in existence today and that it is still relevant.
    That is what we say.  Is that what we demonstrate?
    Is it possible that, all too often, the attitude is demonstrated concerning the church that it is some sort of abstract thing? Isn’t this at least partly behind some of our “they” and “it” statements concerning the church?
     Have you ever begun a statement in any of the following ways? “The church isn’t…” “The church should…” “They don’t…” The next time you begin to say something like that, try beginning the statement with “I” or “we.” The next time there is an opportunity to band together with some brothers and sisters in the Lord for some evangelistic or benevolent work, try rolling up your sleeves and joining in. The next time there is an opportunity for fellowship, try participating.
    Why not see if doing these things will make a difference in how you view the church?

- Jim Faughn, a retired preacher, serves as an elder for the Central Church of Christ in Paducah KY.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.centralchurchofchrist.org