Be IN Church, Not AT Church~ Rachel Melillo

In my life, I mostly see two types of people: the ones that sit at church in a pew because they feel obligated, and the people who involve themselves so much in so many ministries that they forget the point.

What does the word 'church' mean to you? Does it mean a place where you go and sit in an uncomfortable pew every week to listen to a pastor bore you with a half-hour sermon? Or perhaps it's just a place where you get to talk to you friends.

So much, I find that Christians are the most apathetic people I've ever met when it comes to church. In my life, I find there are mostly two types of Christians: the crazy ones (involved in everything they can get their hands on) and the ones content to sit in a pew and stare at a pulpit for one morning a week.

Neither is helpful nor profitable. For it's hard for God to use a heart so focused on doing that it misses the reason for which one is doing such things, and it's also difficult for God to use one who refuses to do anything at all.

So the first thing that we must do is acknowledge which person we are. If you're the one that sits in the pew, find a way that you can serve God and His bride, the church. Get involved. Perhaps that means joining the sound team, worship team, outreach committee, or writing for the church newsletter. Romans 12:4-5 says, “Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” As a member of the body of Christ—the church—we're obligated to help each other out and get involved.

However, if you're the one that spends all their time doing, it's time for a break. I challenge anyone who feels that they fall into this category to take a month-long break (at least) and spend that time focusing on God and what He teaches you through your pastor. Then, choose certain ministries to devote yourself to instead of giving bits and pieces of yourself to so many things that you miss the point and the reason. 1^st Corinthians 10:31 says, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” However we're involved in church, we must do it for the glory of God, and when we're obsessed with doing, we lose focus of that.

I particularly like Matt Redman's “Heart of Worship” when considering this issue. When I hear this song, I instantly begin to review my life and determine if I'm involving myself in too much.

Photograph property of Lilies Among Thorns Magazine. Photograph taken by Jess Mc.

Did you know that Jess hates odd socks?!
Did you know that Rachel dislikes digital clocks, even though they are convenient?!