Rethink Church
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We go through life doing things the way we are taught to do. One of these learned experiences is that church is somewhere we go, a building or place of worship. Well, what if church were something we did rather than somewhere we go? What if church were a verb rather than a noun? How would we do church differently? What if church was something we did 7 days a week instead of somewhere we went for one hour a week? The United Methodist Church began a campaign in 2001: "Open Hearts, Open Minds, & Open Doors" - The people of The United Methodist Church. They now have a challenge of, not only having this open door policy, but Actually OPENING the doors and taking action in the lives of others outside of the church. "Rethink Church" is the heading for this new challenge. Having an "open door" policy and opening the doors to the outside world is two different things. One says we are here for you, while the other says we are coming out to meet you. In the parable of the "prodigal son" the father goes out to meet and welcome his long lost searching son. He doesn't simply leave the door open he is consciously outside looking. Also in Matthew 25:31-46 we find that Jesus explains the importance of going to those in need and serving them and in doing so we are serving Jesus Christ.
As a challenge to the Loxley United Methodist Church I, Rev. Jim Batchelor, have challenged our congregation to accept this challenge, to go out. As the final part of a three part sermon series we will meet at the church on Cypress street, May 31, 2009 for prayer and then we take it to the streets. In an effort to "Rethink Church" we hope to broaden our understanding of what Jesus Christ expects of us as individuals and as the church. Part one was to inform and inspire, part two was to encourage and equip while part three is to pray and proceed. As promised in this sermon series there is information listed on this site, in a link for members, with ideas and addresses to help get things going. May God continue to bless you and all that you do in His name.
