What do we discover once we find ourselves without a church having come under the influence of the church?
What does the church teach us? What is the byproduct of the church and our participation in it?
Obviously, this will not be the same for everyone and the circumstances that come to us from having left the church will vary.
Ten years ago I took a Sabbatical three months away from my church appointment. Actually, we are supposed to take one of those every 7 years we are in ministry and it is a good idea. In the time I was away I knew I should not go back to my appointment (which was Arvada at the time) and some Sundays I didn't go to worship anywhere. Often we would find another church to attend.
I discovered something about the church I had not known. I began to look differently at the people I met in the stores and on the streets and in the places where people congregation.
Church people remind us that everyone has a story to tell and every story is interesting and important to hear. Sometimes when we are located in a church we forget that there are people out there who have a story to tell as well.
I began to look at everyone I met in a different way.
When I left church for that summer I began to think, as John Wesley thought, "the world is my parish".
What was learned in church I applied beyond it and found it was an enriching experience.
What do the people you pass by and do not notice have to give you? If we start asking that question we will begin to discover a resource that is more vast than we can possibly conceive.
Have you ever had the occasion to be without a church and to discover the gift the church gave you to apply to your situation? What did you learn? What did you see?
If you have thoughts on this subject write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to share your thoughts with the readers of this blog click on the 'comments' box below.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
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