The Lady on the Bike

I “accidentally” met another one this morning. I met a person who “used to” go to church, but doesn’t any more. She was a person that I met while on my morning walk. She was on her bike, with a friend of hers, when she reached out to me.

She asked me, “Didn’t you go to [church XYZ]?" She was honest and cheerful in her question, so I took notice.

“Yes, I go there.”

The conversation went on. So I asked her where she goes to church now. That seemed like the thing to ask. She started, “I used to go to...” Then, my cheer for this chance encounter turned more into a mystery. She explained that she doesn't go to church any more.

I meet people like this lady often. They "used to" go to church. For some reason, they've given up on church now. But that normally isn't only about ceasing their fellowship with a local congregation. The fact is that most of them also get no meaningful Christian fellowship at all, in any way. This is hardly scientific, but I've asked a good many of these "used to" people where they get their fellowship in community, the Bible, in prayer, or service and community outreach. I have yet to find a single person who admitted that they have any of that fellowship.

So, what changed? Did they give up on Jesus? On the Church? On themselves? I can understand their positions. I've been tempted to give up on the church several times.

I certainly don't have all the answers. But I do know a couple of things. First, I know that Jesus went to church. During his day, He had the synagogue and He had house to house meetings. He had open air meetings too. He didn't only go to church. He worked in it and built it up. The strange thing is this. Many of the leaders of the synagogue and religious communities were the same people who conspired to have Him executed! Jesus went to their meetings anyhow. I doubt if we have any reason to skip church that is more personal and dangerous than having people wanting to kill us.

Second, Jesus is Lord of all and Head of the Church. He commands his people to go to church. What need is there for doubt or contrary discussion now? This is God's will in your life. Will we tell Him, "But God..." Or, will we go?

Third, He has given his people a very important purpose. He wants us to carry out the ministry of reconciliation. That is about helping others to be reconciled with others and with God. Do you have something better to do with your life than this? Think about it. Where is there a better place to start your ministry of reconciliation than inside the Church? You might think that your life hardly qualifies you as a person bringing reconciliation to others. Even your own life is a mess. But that's the thing. Our ministry isn't based upon our qualifications. It's set upon HIM. Imperfect people who point to a perfect God are perfectly qualified in ministry to others.

I know most people will still have their difficulties in returning to church. That's because people are involved and people can be difficult. But that's okay. We have a Savior who showed us that people can be difficult. (Am I any less difficult anyhow?) We aren't worshipping and obeying the other people. We long to fulfill the Lord's will. That inspires us to get that godly fellowship and make a difference in people.

Eternity is at stake. We must strive for our greatest purposes and never shrink back! Church isn't just church. It is part of your greatest adventure and purpose in life. As imperfect as it is, I'm very thankful for that! God made you to make a difference in other lives. Remember that!