What People Are Looking For

One of my buddies in small group has been traveling. He shared some photos with me of different church buildings and architecture. The most recent church was a historical church building in a metropolitan city. The church was decorated inside with ornate, heavy wooden furniture. The cathedral ceilings were very high. Even looking at the picture on my iPhone my eyes were instantly pulled upward. All around the huge cavernous room were beautiful stained glass windows. 

This particular church building was very large and impressive in every way. Not all churches are built large and impressive. Modern church buildings and architecture come in all sizes and shapes. Jesus can use churches any size, anywhere. Journey Church in Cynthiana is just one example of a smaller brick and mortar footprint. Our people impact is very large.   

So, let me be so bold to ask you: When people (you) begin looking for a church to attend what are (you) they looking for?  This is a really good question. 

This weekend at Journey Christian Church we’re jumping back into Romans in the Bible. We have three messages remaining in the current series. If you’re wanting to take a peek, looking ahead, check out Romans 14:1-15:13.  We’re going to address the question in the last paragraph above:   “What are people looking for when they arrive at any church building?” 

First, let me clarify, when Jesus and the Apostles describe the global (C)hurch established in the New Testament — the Jesus church is NOT brick and mortar. Instead, the people (followers) of Jesus are the (C)hurch. 

“Do you not know and understand that you (the church) are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells (permanently) in you (collectively and individually).”  1 Corinthians 3:16 AMP

The Apostle Paul explains to the Jesus church in Rome, (Rm 14:1-15:13) what people really need — looking for— when they arrive (whatever size/shape church) to worship: 1- Received… welcomed inside   2 - Respected… in spite of differences  3 - Reinforced… family ties open to everyone to belong.

The Jesus church, which began after His resurrection, was never about the building size, architecture, location, tradition, dress code, or liturgic style of worship. Instead, Jesus commissioned His followers to GO (Mt 28:19-20): invite everyone - religious insider/outsiders, where Jesus is our daily Main Event,  creating a forever family... heaven is our home. 

Hope to see you in person/online at Journey Christian Church this weekend. Let’s do this. Bring anyone, someone — help clarify a few things about Jesus' church.  Go God!