Why "go to church?"

Church is the blessed mix of messed up people who have come together for a season under the guidance of the Father who wishes them life and love.  Church is a blessing from God that is on par with marriage and family.  It's taking care of people we have come to love.  It's being cared for by people who have come to love us.  It's pooling our resources to reach out to the lonely, lost, searching, and those who don't even know there is a place called "church" where they are needed and wanted.

Church is the closest thing to Heaven that we have in this world.  Yes, the Bible does teach that.

It's not about happiness.  It's not about purpose.  It's not about belonging.  It's not about serving.  It's not about mission.  It's not about blah, blah, blah...

It's God's gift to us.  It's people who have come together and are doing their best to let down their guard, tear off their masks, and lower their defenses.  It's people who fail, but try very hard to give their best to others.

It's hurting people who come to help.  It's people who watch TV and know they need to do something, just something, positive in someone else's life.

It's people who believe in God.  It's people who admit that, at times, it's very hard to believe in God.  At times, it's hard to believe He's good.  It's hard to believe He's there at times.

It's people who fumble over their words when they try to invite other people to "go to their church."  We can't really explain why we love it so much.  It's like telling someone why you love your kid.  Their's too much to say.  Some of it can't be expressed in words.

It's people.  People with hopes, fears, desires, and problems.  People with love, strength, wisdom, and care.  People filled with insecurity, hatred, and anger.  People filled with mercy, loyalty, and grace.

People.  People looking for something.  People who have realized something.  People who need love. People who need to give love.

People who have found God.  People who want others to find God too.

Why go to church?  Too hard to answer.

Why do I go to church?  Shared hope in the grace and love of God.

When I look around my church I see some of the most amazing people that have ever lived on this earth.  I get frustrated with some of them.  I'm in awe of some of them.  I'm let down by some.  I've let down some.  I ache for some.  I smile with some.  I love them all.  They love me.

Church.  Thank you God for this great gift.  Help us to not keep it to ourselves.

Tim Boyd
Lead Pastor - Westside Christian Church - Bradenton, FL

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