We are the church

A few years ago we held a questionnaire in our neighborhood asking people about church. We asked if church had a place in society, and if so, what? Most people were very clear about the first part of the question. Yes, certainly, church had a place in society. And then they spoke of how having a place that was quiet, a place where people could contemplate life, was absolutely necessary. Most people, when they thought of ‘church’ thought of a building in the neighborhood. A place to go. 

People also talked about how the church should be a place that taught values and norms for society. When they were asked further if they attended a church anyway, most admitted that they did not. Several commented, “Yeah, I guess that isn’t very consistent of me.” They understood that if they thought church should teach values, that they would have to attend in order to receive that teaching. 

We of course think a bit differently about church. We are the church. It doesn’t really matter where the church meets. When people are with us, they should be able to experience and feel the presence of God and His grace and love. That is why we look forward to all sorts of different activities with the church all around Belgium and the Netherlands. 

Most recently we were down at camp with at least 10 different congregations for Family Day, organized this year by the church in Ghent, Belgium. We were able to sing, share meals together, play or walk, and share conversations about how God is working in our lives. It was a time of fellowship, but also of showing body strength (she last week’s thoughts). 

Last week we had a games day in Maastricht. Our young Ukrainian couple, Andre and Adriana have started these to encourage the church members. We stayed after services and played together - some card games, a board game and more. This is a time that we can also invite others. I learned as a young Christian that Christians know best how to have fun. Fun was, after all, designed by God. 

This coming weekend we will hold our Youth Day with the church from Maastricht. But we decided to hold it elsewhere so that more kids could come. And immediately we are looking forward to at least 6-8 kids from other areas. This is an opportunity to be church and be the body of Christ in a different way. We are so thankful that we are able to organize these types of activities and that God is using these to touch people’s lives. 

No matter where we are, if we are children of the King, then we are also the church. When we are gathered - whether it is a few our many, whether it is at a game or going to a movie or attending some other activity, whether we have a sign saying that a church is meeting or not - we are the church. We pray that we are sharing God’s presence and love in all of these moments.