Crossweave Church

Do you find yourself in the habit of doing certain things a certain way ‘just because?’  This is how you have always done it so why do it any other way?  Sounds silly but I think that that’s just the way it is.   And I bet that if I was to suggest a better way, you might even resist the thought of change.  Let’s test this little theory—How about the way you ‘do’ church?

The New Testament describes the first Christian churches very clearly—they all met in homes.  Initially, they also gathered at the temple but that all changed once the religious leaders started persecuting them (just like Saul, later named Paul, did).  A quick survey of the Book of Acts will give an indisputable picture of the church diametrically opposed to church as we know it now.  There were no church buildings, liturgical services, huge productions, or even professional clergy. They worshipped and shared meals “from house to house” and yet the growth and activity was phenomenal!  So, what happened?  You can Google this yourself but very quickly, let me just say that the shift from ‘house church’ to the institution as it has been known for the past 2,000 years happened in the 4th century—thanks to Roman emperor Constantine.  The Reformation Movement led by Martin Luther tried to reform doctrine but left the structure of the church virtually untouched.  By this time, you’re probably asking, So?

I’d like to pursue this theme in the weeks to follow.  For the time being, why not evaluate your own personal experience with church.  Has it become so structured or habitual that you find it meaningless and so out of touch with reality?  Is church something you simply ‘attend’ and have no passion for?  Can there be something better that you’ve missed this whole time?  The answer is a resounding Yes!  We’ll pick this up next time.