Church Talk - Introduction

I don't have anything against church; it's just not my thing.

I think church is important, but I don't have time for it right now.

I don't think church is for me, I prefer to live the Christian life on my own.

I used to go to church, but I got burned out.

It’s no secret that many people want little or nothing to do with church. Some people have been left with a bad taste in their mouth. Some simply don’t understand why they should make it a priority. It’s not that they have anything against church, but they just don’t see the point. Other people go to church, but they do it more out of tradition than love for God. Maybe you’ve heard these kinds of things, or maybe you’ve said them yourself.

I go to church, but I just don’t get much out of it.

I would go to church, but they are always asking for money.

I went to church for years, but I got tired of all of the hypocrites.

If it helps other people that’s great, but it’s just not for me.

Regardless of the reason, the reality is that there are many people who try to live the Christian life on their own. Maybe you are one of these people. Maybe you have been hurt by people in the church or maybe you just don't like it anymore. You are not alone. More and more people are deciding that the church is no longer a necessary part of their Christian life. Maybe you attend church regularly, but you are beginning to lose interest in the whole “church thing.” Maybe you have had thoughts like this:

I go to church, but sometimes I’m not really sure why.

I go to church, but I don’t really get anything out of it.

I go to church, but I’m not really sure where I fit in.

I go to church, but it is mainly because other people expect me to be there.

My experience is a little different. I love the church, I always have. I was raised in a home where church was a priority and through the years my passion has only increased. My love for God and His church is what motivated me to attend Bible College and that same love made it natural for me to join a team that plans to serve God through starting a church.

My life has revolved around the church and I love it deeply, but I understand that not everyone feels the same way. Many people who I grew up with have chosen to walk away from the church and their faith. When I hear people talk about their lack of interest or their frustration with the church it breaks my heart, but not just because I love the church. It breaks my heart because God intends for the church to be a gift and a blessing. He intends for us to live together as a family that supports and encourages one another. He wants us to learn together, rejoice together, grow together, cry together, serve together, laugh together, worship together, pray together and do life together. The Bible is clear that while the Christian life is very personal, it is also a life that is supposed to be intimately interwoven with the lives of other believers.

I love the church and I want others to experience and enjoy this wonderful gift that God has given to us. That’s why I am beginning a blog series called Church Talk. In this series I’m going to discuss some basic truths about the church as well as answer some common questions. I hope this series will accomplish a few things:

  • I hope this series will clear up some of the common misconceptions about the church.

  • I hope this series will help you grow in your understanding of what the church is and what it’s supposed to accomplish.

  • If you have been hurt by a church, I hope this series will encourage you to try again.

  • If you are part of a local church, I hope that this series will renew your love for the church and your faithfulness to it.

  • If you are not a part of a local church, I hope that this series will help you understand the joy that is available by living life as a part of a church.

I’m looking forward to working through this series and I pray that God will use it to strengthen His church. If you have any specific questions or concerns about the church I would love to hear them. Your feedback will help me make this series more relevant and useful. Feel free to leave a comment on this post or contact me by email.

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