Is your church a place you just go to on Sunday morning for the worship service or is it more to you? It could be more. Much more. Church is your communal home if you follow the example of the New Testament church found in the book of Acts. Now before you go ballistic on me I am using the word communal and not the word communism. Don’t get them confused and start calling me names or putting a label on me that does not apply. I could have used the word family, but for some people family is not a happy word or memory. I am trying to use a word that conveys a meaning of oneness and closeness.
Let me give you an example. I recently experienced some physical problems and members of the congregation I serve went above and beyond to be helpful. One gentleman offered to do whatever it took to help my wife Patty to get me to the doctor. We have only been part of this congregation for five months, but it seems like we have been there for years.
Why does it feel so special? Because there is no doubt that they care about each other. Jesus told us to love one another, but in today’s world it is wonderful to see it in action. One mostly sees the “I/me” philosophy in practice in our world today. That is what we are taught. Individual rights. Individual property. Individual everything.
When I decided to accept the call to Mountain View Christian Church, I was not sure about it. What I am sure of now is that it is a church that cares about the people who attend church there and about the people who have not yet found a church home. I am also certain it is a communal church. It is a church where you can find family. The family of God.
