Table Salt: Being the church
December blew in with chilly temperatures and dancing snowflakes. Christmas is just around the corner. I started reviewing our family calendar, penciling in all the Christmas things that we wanted to fit it. It goes without saying that on Sunday mornings, we go to church. It’s not something we write on the weekly schedule; we just know it’s a standing appointment.
As I took my seat last Sunday morning, I scanned our bulletin, “First News.” All of the upcoming events, dates, and details were in print. I could tell that the lead team of staff had put in a lot of work to plan out the month ahead, offering a vast array of opportunities to the congregation as well as the community.
A few months ago, my daughters were asked to do an advent reading. They were all in at first, but when they were requested to memorize their lines and dress the parts, they wanted to withdraw from the commitment. With several practices under their belt, they continued to push through and dedicate time to practicing the roles.
While we can’t do it all, we can do our part. As my daughters have gotten more involved in serving in different areas of our church, they have learned that it takes everyone’s hand to truly make the entire mission run. Our church creates special spaces and activities all year long. More important than any event, the space is held for all people to come as their authentic self to learn and grow in their personal relationship with Christ.
A church building is a place to gather. Church programming is full of fun opportunities to gather for. The group of people is the church; together, they serve others as the hands and feet of Jesus on earth. We don’t go to church; we are the church.
When you step through the doors of the building that you choose to attend, don’t look for what they can do for you, but what you can do for God’s Kingdom inside and outside of the church walls. Don’t attend a church building seeking instant gratification through the band, lighting, or coffee. Maybe you aren’t a fan of the seating arrangement or the pastor’s haircut. Perhaps you have been attending for a while and just aren’t making friends.
Don’t sit still one week longer, expecting others to meet your expectations. Show up where you are called. Ask God to reveal your role in the mission of the body of Christ. Make your own coffee. Consider the time and dedication of the band to serve in that role. Appreciate those who set up and tear down the seating arrangement each week. Express thanks for your pastor, who is vulnerable enough to stand on a stage each week and share what has been laid on his or her heart.
Be the change you want to see. Take part in the big picture. What is your role? After a conversation around our dinner table, my daughters’ tune changed. With a little extra effort, they are coming along on their lines for the advent readings. A bit more pride is being taken in the role they play in their church. It takes all people to contribute in their own special way to create a church family.
A church isn’t the building but the people who work together with one goal in mind: furthering the Kingdom of God. When you look past the luxuries, you can see the real purpose of coming together as one. It’s the friends hugging and welcoming you in sweet times and sad. You’ll find Jesus through others who love and accept who you truly are. Surround yourself with a church family that looks past perfection and gazes at purpose and peace.
“So we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually parts of one another.”
Romans 12:5
Contact Ashley at ashley@tippgazette.com
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Tippecanoe Gazette
Attn: Ashley Spring McCarroll
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Tipp City, Ohio 45371