The Church Alive (Part 3)

Hello Friends,

I feel sure that each of you have been anxiously awaiting the third segment of the Church Alive. I've been a bit worried that you have probably been pacing the floors and hitting the refresh button over an over in anticipation. So sorry to keep you on pins and needles for such a long time! ha! Thank you for being patient- and for caring.

Before I dig in let's establish where we've been thus far on this topic. The 'church' is the people- not the building. An alive church is built upon repentant sinners. And, we have established all manner of what an alive church is not.

From here forward these segments are not based upon any order but will be rather random. So, for our next look into an alive church we will look to the book of Acts where we see the first church birthed. I recommend you read through at the very least the first eight chapters of Acts and if possible read the whole book looking for gatherings of the church.

Allow me to give you a bit of background. From the beginning chapter of Acts the church, as we know it today, is gathered and Jesus commands them to wait in Jerusalem for the gift of the Holy Spirit which he has promised. So, the apostles and Mary, Jesus mother and brothers and what the Bible calls 'the women' return to Jerusalem as Jesus said. Once there, the Bible tells us "they all joined together constantly in prayer." (Acts 1:14) Later we see in chapter two as they are together the Holy Spirit descends upon them.

The point I would like to make today about an alive church is this-an alive church is a church of prayer. We not only see this evidence from the beginning of Acts but through out the whole chapter. We see in Acts 2:42 that this early group of followers devoted themselves from the very beginning to several elements that were vital to their life and the spread of the Gospel. "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer" (Acts 2:42). So let's take a deeper look into the prayer life of these early followers and see why it was so vital to them.

First, It was vital to their relationship with the Risen and Ascended Lord, Jesus. Many of these men and women had traveled miles with Jesus in the flesh- prayer gave them that continuing presence and relationship. Second, it was vital to the effectiveness of their ministry and the spread of the Gospel. These early followers prayed earnestly. Their very lives depended on God's intervention not to mention the spread of the Gospel. These devoted followers prayed often and expectantly.

Take a look at Acts 4:23-31. Peter and John have just been released from jail for preaching in the name of Jesus. Tensions were rising in the city and they felt it. Remember, not too long ago many of them watched as Jesus was arrested, tried, beaten and brutally killed. I imagine their fears were rising with every breath they took as their minds wondered if they could be next to suffer. Yes, Jesus rose from the dead but not before he suffered and died. In our human minds we can't grasp suffering like that nor do we want to be subject to it.

Peter and John, having just been released from jail, return to the fellowship of believers. I love what the Bible says about their return "Peter and John went back to their own people". I can't think of anywhere I love to be but with my own people (the church). There is comfort and safety that comes from being with your own. Peter and John didn't waste a moment of time when they arrived back with their own. Immediately they began to share their plight. There is something about the comforts of being with our own that allows us to be venerable and share our stuff. And, there is something very special about this group of followers in Acts- they were all united in the same mission and I believe they all shared in the sufferings that were brought about by seeing this mission to fulfillment. John and Peter's problems were their problems too.

Stay with me here for a moment as I share a side note to the topic of prayer. Do you see through Peter and John's story that the church is a place where we bring our fears, struggles, and our needs to? When is the last time you let down your defenses and were real with those in your fellowship (your own people)? This early group of followers at their core were real with one another. They didn't hold back for fear of looking stupid or for fear somebody might think they didn't have it together! Look back to Acts 4:13. Those in the crowd saw Peter and John's courage- why? Because they realized they were unschooled, ordinary men. I don't know about you but this helps me. If this early fellowship made up of ordinary men and women can receive power to do the unthinkable and lead an astonishing movement for Jesus Christ and still need to share their needs with one another so can we. Don't you and I (the church today) share a common unity with one another just as these young followers did? Of course we do!

What did that fellowship of believers do when Peter and John shared their need? They took it immediately to the One who was capable of handling it- Jesus. The Bible says "When they heard this they raised their voices together in prayer to God" (Acts 4:24). The word 'raised' here means to cry out or to sing. I'm not sure but I like to believe that for a time all their voices were audibly speaking aloud and possibly all at once.

Some of the most amazing moments I have ever experienced have been through prayer. I have traveled twice now to India for mission work and in both trips I experienced a depth of prayer I have never experienced before. What you may find most amazing is that I didn't understand a single word of most of the prayers prayed there because they were not in my language. Many times when the minister would pray the entire congregation would pray aloud too. I couldn't understand what they were saying but the desperation and adoration in the tone of their voices said what I needed to know.

After every church service we participated in those present were invited to come forward at the end if they had any prayer needs. Each time we were overwhelmed with people waiting at the front of the church for us to pray for and over them. There were all sorts of needs. Some brought handicapped children or family members and laid them at our feet for us to lay hands upon and pray. Many would just fall to their knees at our feet. Once a lady brought a young girl forward and shared that her mother had died and her father had ran away and she was homeless. Honestly, I have never felt so unworthy or humbled in my life. Who was I that I could take their needs to God when these precious ones could go straight to the Throne of Grace without my help (and probably have more success!)? I realized later it wasn't that I could take their need to God and they couldn't it was the need for our team to 'share in their sufferings' through prayer. To in some way carry their burdens if at all possible- but carry them to the Lord. The needs of the people were so overwhelming-so huge! But, our God is a HUGE God who is capable of handling every last one of them! So, we took the needs to Him. The people came- they were real- their needs were real and so was our love an compassion for their needs. So much so that I'm still praying! Unfortunately I'm terrible with words (grammar and spelling too- as you well know), but know this experience is one I will never forget-It has been and always will be a privilege to take everything to God in prayer.

If you read on in Acts 4 we find that these followers prayed specifically and they used scripture to express their need and God rocked the house! Sisters, I yearn to be a part of a movement like this. Where men and women come together to seek God's will, to ask big things of God and to EXPECT him to answer. How often do we pull away from the world and seek God's will for a situation instead of charging ahead, making a decision and THEN asking God to bless what we have decided. I've done this myself and by the grace of God many times he has chosen to bless what I've decided without his input. (Thank you Lord!) But what would our lives and churches looked like if we let go of token prayers before meetings and really sought God and listened for him before we made plans? I imagine we might experience a movement from the Lord where we felt like our lives had been rocked!

I've gone to meddling and preaching a bit now (so sorry). Bottom line- and alive church is a praying church. A church that seeks God through prayer for direction, discernment and vision. It is a church that brings the needs of the people before our capable God. It is a church that expects for God to hear and answer.

Again, I have so much to say on this topic of a praying 'alive' church. I am holding back a bit in order to bring the subject back up in our last segment.

Let me end by saying God answers prayers- all sorts of them and he answers them in all sorts of ways. I've heard it said, "A praying church is a staying church". I'll let you decide.

Blessings,

Lori

Fabulous Friday!

Hello gals! Today is FABULOUS FRIDAY! How do I know?? Look out your window! Could the weather be any better? The Drain's have big plans for tonight. We are celebrating a friends 50th Birthday with a bon fire complete with all the fixins'- hot dogs and smores! I don't believe life gets much better than that! Friends and Food. My 2 favorite F's!

I wanted to let you know I have worked on our next segment of the 'Church Alive' this week but I'm not quite ready to post it yet. I have a ruff draft saved but it is not post worthy as of this moment. I have a full day today so I apologize for not having it ready. Please check back next week and hopefully it will be completed. Thank you for sticking with me. And, don't forget to email me or post what you think the qualities of an Alive Church are. I'm desperate for feedback- it helps so much! So, bring it on!

I pray you all have a fun filled fabulous Friday! Don't forget to give the Lord some Praise today! Give Him a big shout out for this amazing weather we are basking in!
Love to all,
Lori

Hello gals,
This past Sunday our family visited a church in Kingsport. We enjoyed worship very much. The service we attended was a 9:30 Contemporary Worship Service and it was packed with people. We were running a bit late and luckily found a seat on the back row. What impressed me about this service was the diversity of ages in attendance. I saw just as many (if not more) seniors than I did youngsters! And- I loved it! And, after looking around I realized I am embarking on becoming a member of the 'middle aged' group. Whatever that means! ha!

My son seemed to enjoy the service as well. He asked all manner of questions. And he made a great observation about the preacher- allow me to quote my 10 year old: "He (the preacher) said God more than anybody I've ever heard." I just about laughed my head off. What children pick up on!

In case you don't know our family has spent the last two months visiting different churches for worship. We have enjoyed every church we have worshipped with. Not one has been the same. Some have been large in attendance and some have been very small. Some have had traditional music, some blended and some contemporary. Some have had choir music- some have not. Some have had special solos some have not. Some have been very formal and some have been very casual. Some had offering meditations some have not. Some have served communion some have not. Some have had 3 point sermons and some have had narritive preaching and one team preached (which was rather cool). Thus far, all have offered an invitation at the end.

This experenice has been rather neat in that we are getting to see how other members of the Body of Chirst worship. I can honestly say we have enjoyed worshipping in every church we have set foot in thus far. Every single one has been different in the order of service and style but one thing has been the same through out- everyone has worshipped the same Lord and Saviour- Jesus Christ. Priceless!

Enjoy your day today sisters! And, see if you can beat the preacher's record today- how often can you talk about God today? Let's spend ourselves praising Him- allow Him to be the Lord of your Tuesday!

Love to all,
Lori

The Church Alive (Part 2)...

Hello Friends,
As you may recall I posted sometime back about a church sign I read that said "A Church Alive Is Worth The Drive". And, I promised to research and explore this topic more in depth and share with you here on the blog. So, today I am posting Part 2 of tThe Church Alive. Let me warn you now- I have no idea how many Parts it will take to fully communicate the ideas and research I am working on. Also, these segments are not for the faint of heart! I will do my best to post a segment each week until I feel there desperately needs to be an end to the topic. I will also try to post other stuff through out the week so not to overwhelm you blog readers- I'll will seek to write some fun stuff in between.

Now let me set a few ground rules for you as you read the segments on 'The Church Alive':

1. I ask that you not get any ideas about changing churches because you find your church lacking in any of the areas we will discuss! I am saving the 'Why' to this point for our final segment. So, I ask that you hang in there with me to the very end before you decide your church may or may not be alive. I hope you will become very clear as to why I am setting this as ground rule number 1 by the time we finish out The Church Alive posts!
2. Keep in mind as you read I am not the ultimate authority on this issue. God's word however is. So, feel free to disagree with me at any time. I am only seeking to flesh this topic out with you and please know it is a work in progress! So, my prayer is that you will study yourself and not take my word for it.
3. Lastly, I would love to hear your thoughts on what the Church Alive is to you. So please email me your thoughts and make sure to let me know if I can reuse them. gaplori@embarqmail.com

Now that we've set the rules let's get down to Church Alive Business!

Thus far I have found it easier to discuss what a Church Alive isn't more than what it actually is. So let me share what it is not:

• A Church Alive is not measured upon how many people fill the pew each week. Big doesn't necessitate Alive!
• Busy doesn't necessitate Alive!
• Lots of programs doesn't necessitate Alive!
• Financial Prosperity doesn't necessitate Alive!
• Beautiful buildings, masses of electronic equipment and the best of the best in the form of stuff doesn't necessitate Alive!
• Academic excellence doesn't necessitate Alive!
• Amazing staff with lengthy bios does not necessitate Alive!
• Rich heritage and traditions do not necessitate Alive!
• Friendly congregants does not necessitate Alive!

I'm going to stop there. I feel you are probably getting the idea. We tend to measure success by many of the above when it comes to church growth and aliveness (not sure if that's a word- but by golly it is now! ha!). The top two measurements tend to be numbers- how many people attended and how much did they give. Ask yourself this question, "How often do I look to see how many people attended the Sunday Worship service?" Why do you look? Because typically we all measure the success of most any event by the attendance.

I've been out and about this week and in multiple churches. Everywhere I went people shared with me how many people attended their Palm Sunday and Easter Services. Please don't mishear me- I am thrilled that people go to church. Palm Sunday, Easter and Christmas services can be great entry points for the unchurched. And, as you probably know, it is an opportunity for what many call the 'CEO's' (Christmas & Easter Only's) to get re-connected to the church they say they are members of. Nothing excites me more than to see people go to church. You never know what God may do in that person's heart because they walked in a church building on an Easter Sunday. So by all means- PLEASE GO. But, let me be clear-numbers do not equate a spiritually Alive Church.

So, now that I have made several points on what the church is not and hopefully squelched our ideas on how we tend to measure success let's begin looking at what an Alive Church looks like and sometime in the segment I will set up a new formula for measuring success. But from today forward I ask that you give up on numbers- at least for awhile.

The Church Alive is people alive not a place. And those people are deeply repentant people. Never forget that the Church of Jesus Christ was built upon sinners. The very Gospel-the Good News of Jesus Christ is that he did not come to save the righteous but the unrighteous. He came to save that which was lost. He dided for sinners just like you and me. Allow me to quote from 'The Ragamuffin Gospel' written by Brennan Manning on this very topic:

"Here is the revelation bright as the evening star: Jesus comes for sinners, for those as outcast as tax collectors and for those caught up in squalid choices and failed dreams. He comes for corporate executives, street people, superstars, farmers, hookers, addicts, IRS agents, AIDS victims, and even used car salesmen. Jesus not only talks with these people but dines with them-fully aware that His table fellowship with sinners will raise the eyebrows of religious bureaucrats who hold up the robes and insignia of their authority to justify their condemnation of the truth and their rejection of the gospel of grace."

These are the sinner-guests invited by Jesus to closeness with Him around the banquet table. It remains a startling story to those who never understand that the men and women who are truly filled with light are those who have gazed deeply into the darkness of their imperfect existence. Morton Kelsey wrote: "The church is not a museum for saints but a hospital for sinners."

The Church Alive is full of the very people Mr.Manning speaks of above-Sinners. Sinners who have met Salvation. Sinners who came to the hospital and received healing grace. Once we met our Salvation- our Redeemer everything changed. Remember the story of the Prodigal Son? He squandered his inheritance and came crawling home to his father. His father ran to meet him, opened his arms to him and forgave him. The father said-"My son who was once dead is now alive". The Church Alive is full of people who were once dead but are now Alive. Alive becuase of the wonderful merciful grace of Jesus Christ.

Not only is the Church Alive built upon sinners- it welcomes sinners into the fellowship of the group just as Jesus did. The church Alive is one who wouldn't turn their nose up in snobbish nonacceptance when the nearby street hooker walked through the doors of the building. No, the Church Alive would meet her with the loving grace of Jesus and would introduce her to Salvation-our Redeemer and hers. Why? Because the Church Alive was built upon sinners just like her.

There is so much more to say on this topic. But not room in a blog post. Let me just end with a question for thought:

How do you treat others who walk through the doors of the building and into your church fellowship who is different from the rest of the group?

Think deeply sisters,

Lori

P.s. I have no time to spell check or grammar check today- so please excuse any errors you find!

To My Homegirls....

Hello to all,
There are a group of ladies that I affectionately consider to be my 'Home Girls'. And, I feel sure (or at least I hope) they know who they are. Most all of us have a group of ladies (whether small or large) in our lives who have traveled the miles of life with us. My Home Girls shared life with me, in one form or the other, for the past six years. The past six years have been some of the most meaningful and fabulos times of my life because of the miles the women and I have shared. They are some of the finest women I have ever met.

It just so happens that God has gently pushed this baby bird out of the nest she calls home away from my Home Girls and I'm honestly just missing my them today. So, I am sharing the following story with you all today but especially as a tribute to them. I feel all of you will appreciate the story- or at least I hope so!

It was time. Momma and Papa Eagle new it was time to let go. Although, everything within wanted to hold on to Baby Eaglet with all the might their long wing spans could hold. Momma Eagle had cared for Baby Eaglet from the moment she knew Baby Eaglet would be born. It seemed like only yeterday that Baby Eaglet hatched and turned their nest home gloriously upside down.

Baby Eaglet had enjoyed the security and safety of the nest Momma and Papa Eagle had provided. The nest was warm and cozy. It had everything a Baby Eaglet could ever want. The finest nest around or at least that's what Baby Eaglet believed. What made the nest home so wonderful? Well, the Eagle family did. Had it not been form Momma and Papa Eagle being there with Baby Eaglet it would have been just another nest home.

Momma and Papa Eagle were wonderful parents to Baby Eaglet. They made sure she had all the food and milk she needed in order for her to grow big and strong. They protected her from the elements in the wild and from those that would prey around the nest home. Momma and Papa made sure to teach Baby Eaglet all she needed to know in order to survive in the wild world of the sky and trees.

Life for the Eagle family couldn't have been better. They enjoyed each other's company. They talked in eagle talk for hours on end. When Baby Eaglet was scared or nervous Momma and Papa Eagle would soothe her fears by singing a song sweet song of encouragement into her ear. Baby Eaglet loved her Momma and Papa and Momma and Papa loved Baby Eaglet. The nest home was Baby Eaglet's favorite place in all the world. Even with all the sky and trees to explore on the outside, Baby Eaglet never cared about wondering outside the nest for everything she could ever need was right there at home with Mamma and Papa Eagle.

Time had come. Today was the day Baby Eaglet would leave the comforts of the nest home and the security of Momma and Papa Eagle to spread her wings and fly on her own for the first time. Although, Baby Eaglet had no idea today was the day. Momma and Papa Eagle knew. As much as it pained them to let their little one go they knew it was for Baby Eaglets own good. She was ready because she had learned well. Papa and Momma Eagle knew Baby Eaglet would make them proud as she soared amidst the sky and land.

So, Momma Eagle breathed deeply and with one fell swoop she picked up Baby Eaglet by her talons and pushed her to the edge of the nest. While Papa Eagle stood perched on the nest edge right beside Baby Eaglet with a determined and proud look in his eyes. Baby Eaglet wasn't sure what was happening she only knew that the ground below was far away and looking down was scary. But, Baby Eaglet trusted Momma and Papa . They had always proved to be good and faithful to Baby Eaglet so she knew she was safe. But Baby Eaglet would never have dreamed Papa and Momma Eaglet would do to Baby Eaglet what they did next. All of the sudden Momma Eagle gave Baby Eaglet a good swift push and out of the nest home Baby Eaglet went heading straight for the ground below.

Now, I bet your wondering what happened to Baby Eaglet after she got pushed, ever so genlty, from Papa & Momma Eagle's nest home? Before we go any further with this story let me tell you what happened to ME when God pushed me out of the comforts of what I will call- my 'Home Girl Nest'. This is just one instance of many thus far to help you get the picture of what the past couple of months have been like on the outside of the Home Girl Nest!

After being pushed out of my 'Home Girl Nest' (ever so gently) by my Father, who said it was time to go (and yes- the ground below is way scary) - I plunged straight to the ground falling flat on my beak. Girlfriends- the fall was hard. Why? Embarrassment. As simply as I can state it- embarrassment. Yep, that's what happened to this Baby Eaglet!

So here's the dirt loaded with worms. I'm at a certain leadership event with around a 100 or so area pastors, church leaders, and college presidents (to name a few) and was scheduled to give a breif talk to the group . I of course was thrilled with the opportunity to speak- my Home Girls know- give her an opportunity to open her big mouth and oh my. So, no problem-right? WRONG.

Here we go- dinner is over and it's time. I have my speech prepared-everything I wanted to say was all written out. (And, on a side note- it was a dad gum good speech). I make my move toward the stage. I climb up the steps to the stage all the while thinking "O PLEASE Lord don't let me trip on the steps and make a fool of myself". Prayer was answered! I made it to the podium layed my speech in front of me, ajusted the microphone, and looked to my left. That's when it happened. The WORST case of stage fright I have EVER in my whole life had ascended on me like a spring downpour. My knees commenced to knocking and my whole body was shaking. I thought to my life I was going to shake right out of my leopard skinned high heel sandals (another side note- you would have loved the shoes!!). My ears began to ring and my mouth was so dry I could hardly speak- my tounge was LITERALLY sticking to the roof of my mouth. No joke!! All eyes were now on me. Everyone was waiting. In my mind I couldn't connect two words together let alone read my speech. The lighting above the podium was way weird (or so I thought) or could it be that I was beginning to see spots? Black out perhaps? Oh no Lord!!

And just when I thought things couldn't get worse- it happened- I opened my big mouth. And out of it came what I believe was a totally new language. The group must of thought the Holy Spirit had descended upon me and I blessed with the gift of speaking in tongues! Believe me when I say-That was not the case. What I will say however, is the language I was speaking was nothing but Gibberish. And my written speech- I really don't believe I read the first word on it! Girls, it was AWFUL! Humiliating.

Instead of being pushed from the nest I felt like I had flown the coop! I feel sure the guests thought the same!! After what seemed to be hours I made my way off the stage and back to my seat. My face had turned all manner of red and not only were my outsides shaking- my insides now were too. As I took my seat all I could think about was my Home Girls and where is the nearest exit!! All I wanted to do was just crawl back into my Home Girl nest and hide.

Had I been within the comforts of my 'Home Girl Nest' this would have never happened. My Home Girls know me and I know them. I don't know how else to say it other than we just fit like a great pair of worn in blue jeans. We just work.

When I finally got home after the event and laid my tired head on the pillow I can honestly say I questioned God for pushing me from my Home Girl Nest. Maybe it's too soon Lord. Maybe we made a mistake. What was up with that even tonight Lord?? And, I thanked Him profusely for my Home Girl Nest. I was utterly homesick and I told God as much!

Ever so gently, the Father began to whisper in my ear, "Lori, who were you relying on tonight?" And then it hit me like a ton of falling straw straight from the nest. Not once had I asked the Lord for His help with this speaking job. I reasoned it in my head that I had given this talk a hundred times already- no big deal. I had written out a speech just in case but because this was a usual talk for me-I probably wouldn't really need it. Wrong Again. Girls- I tried going it on my own. Needless to say I got a full course meal of humble worm pie and I deserved every last bite of it. My What was I thinking?? Obviously- I wasn't.

So, for my Home Girls- please know you are deeply loved by Baby Eaglet who fell on her beak this week! I will be forever grateful for the comforts provided me during my time in the Home Girl Nest. What made it so wonderful was all of you. And I wouldn't take a million dollars for all the spiritual food you dished out and served uped to this Baby Eaglet. I highly esteem each one of you and I am so glad to have shared the Home Girl Nest with you.

Also know, Baby Eaglet is not giving up. Sometimes the lesson is in the fall. I'm a bit bruised (my pride that is) and I feel sure God intended it to be just that way. It is true- pride comes before the fall and trust me the fall can be brutal! So now this Baby Eaglet is on the ground and praying a fresh wind from the Spirit will come blowing in and sweep her off her eagle feet- and if he does- she will bat her wings like crazy. And, with the Lord's help, Baby Eaglet will soar- not because she learned to soar on her own- but because she learned to rely on the wind of the Spirit her Heavenly Father Eagle provided to carry her wings and the training and love from Father and Mother Eagle and her Home Girl Nest.

Missing the Home Girl Nest,
Baby Eaglet

P.S. As for Baby Eaglet from the original story - she soared ever so high on the first try. And, I'm so jealous! ha!

"Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles." Isaiah 40:31

Checking In...

Hello friends,
I am once again posting from my cell phone. I live to far out in the country to have Internet access at home only on my cell phone. I want you to know I spent a rather long time on Friday- Good Friday that is typing up the best post I feel I have ever written only to lose it during my attempt to become a spell checker. I was so mad! I had spent the better part of the morning with the Lord reflecting on Jesus' death and praying and I had so much to share....God must have thought otherwise. Maybe our time together was not meant to be shared.

So here I am still celebrating Resurrection Sunday and wanting desperately to share-but I already have a serious hand cramp from typing on my cell phone keyboard. I will however wish each of you a belated Happy Easter! He is RISEN Indeed! Praise Him!
Love to all!

P.S. You should know that I did edit this post- so sorry for all the spelling and grammer errors- cell phone typing is tuff stuff for an old lady like myself! And I'm spelling challenged anyway!!
Blessings to you!

The Church Alive

Hello to all,
I've been anxious to share my new favorite church sign with you. I drive past Gray Church of God daily and read their church sign. This week they have posted "A Church Alive is Worth the Drive". Finally, a good church sign that really gave me something to ponder.

Since I have taken up the 'Church Sign Critic' job my list of least favorite church signs has grown more than my list of favorites. One church in particular keeps my blood boiling for weeks after I read their sign. I won't share the church name with you but allow me to share one of my least favorite posts from their sign- "Contemporary Christian Music=hell, Traditional Hymn's=heaven" (or something like that). And my next least favorite listed a reference to the KJV being God's Word and the NKJV being from Satan. These two really bothered me. Not because the church holds certain beliefs but because of the way this effects the community around them. I have to wonder what message this sends to the unbelieving world around them. I guess we would need to answer the question of what is the chruch sign for anyway? Well as you can see this is a whole nother soap box I won't climb upon today! (And yes- I do know 'nother' is not a word! I just love to drive the spell checker crazy (as if it's alive)! And, keep in mind- I'm Tennessean to the bone.)

What is a 'Church Alive'? First, let's establish what the word 'church' means. The church is not the building but the people. So, alive people are worth the drive. Don't know about you but I personally would not waste the gas money to 'drive' anywhere to hang out with physically dead people! ha!! Truthfully,I have spent enough time in funeral homes mourning the deaths of friends and loved ones to do me for a lifetime. And, sorry for seeming so coy-please take these comments in jest and know I'm trying to make a point. I consider it a privilege to be near to those who are grieving a loved one by being present at the funeral home, hospital and most anywhere they need me to be.

Webster's Dictionary defines the word alive as "living, existent, active, animated, filled with living things, vigorous or lively, teeming". Does this definition accurately describe an alive church? I think not. Churches (peoples) can be lively and vigorous and still be dead in Christ. Churches can be filled with activity and still not be alive in the spiritual and Biblical sense. Take for example my visit to Bristol Motor Speedway two Sundays ago. The people at the Speedway were teeming with life. The energy level was UP! Many of them, during the race, were yelling in support of their favorite driver. Hand and arm motions were happening all over the place as a show of support as their driver moved to the front of the pack. These were people alive the atmosphere around them was lively but were they alive in Christ?

How does God's word define a church alive? This is the question I've been pondering all week. One worth the work of discovery. So, I'm on a journey to uncover the answers. At first I thought it was a simple question but the more thought I've given it the more I have come to believe it's not. The other question I have asked myself is "When have I been a part of a Church Alive?"

As simple as these questions may seem I'm not so sure any of us could say we have it all figured out. I do know one thing- I yearn to be a part of the Church Alive and I'm in search of the congregation that I could honestly walk away saying- Now that's the Body of Christ Alive.

I wonder if this 'alive' thing is the very reason the church in America is not growing? Is it because there is no life to it or in it? I'm not sure. I will tell you this- I aim to find out! So if the questions I've asked in this post confounds and perplexes you as much as it does me- than get to digging. One thing I do know for absolute- God is present in the Church Alive. No doubt.

I will dedicate the next several posts to this topic. If you find it interesting- join me next week for more discussions on the Church Alive.

Searching for the Church Alive,
Lori