Introduction
Over the years I occasionally meet people who have come to believe in Jesus but believe they can be Christian without joining a church. At the very least they missed Jesus saying “Where two or more are gathered together I am in the midst of them.” Mathew 18:20
Conversion Chart
If you have followed my teachings you will be familiar with my Complete Conversion chart.
There are two axis for building the chart. One, across the top is the Great Commandment. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.” The other I took from a teaching by The Rev. Chuck Irish. He taught that we need four conversions: Jesus, Church, Spirit, and Mission.
Fellowship
The Conversion to the church begins with the recognition of the importance of Fellowship. From the beginning this was called Koinonia. Beyond Fellowhip with one other chance meeting with another believer the Promise Keeper teach that we all should maintain at least two others, a Paul and. Timothy. By this they mean to share it is important to have a mentor and a disciple. A mentor for helps us develop and mature in our faith. A disciple is a new Christian whom we can mentor.
Our circle of believers ought also include a small group. It is not enough to attend a church service on Sunday. A small support group is the place where real community is nourished. It is where we learn, share, and support each other. Wherever I have lived I have been a part of a small group. While in seminary I belonged to two such groups. One group was with three other classmates. The other was at the local church, St. Mark’s and St. John’s where I worshiped on Sundays. There I met my wife, Lily Constantine. We spent a year in Burlington Vermont where I had a year as College Chaplain and a summer in Clinical Pastoral Education. Over the years I shared in men’s groups ups at various churches. My current group has been together for decades and I have been a member since 2001. We have seen each other through many difficulties including loss of employment, open heart surgery and death of our spouses. We also share interest in Kairos prison ministry and weekly Bible study and prayer.
Church Membership
It is also important that we belong to a Church. In the example of my small group we each belong to a different church. These include, Methodist, Anglican, Lutheran, and the Charismatic Episcopal Church. These affiliations connect us to the sacraments, wider ministry, expanded opportunities for Bible study and fellowship.
Regardless of most people’s depth of involvement Christians want and need the Church for what I somewhat comically call hatch, match,and dispatch. We want our child baptized or dedicated. We want our marriages bless by a member of the clergy. We want a pastor to conduct our funerals. All of these life changing events are in the realm of the church.
It can be difficult to find a church where we feel comfortable. Churches are made of humans. None are perfect. There is a great common wise idea. Churches are hospitals for sinners, not museums for saints. You may have to shop around d to find one that suits you best. Unfortunately there are many different denominations or we might say divisions of the church universal. We might divided them as sacramental, evangelical, charismatic, or independent protest. You might see the. In your area as Roman Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, Lutheran, Othodox, or Assemblies of God. I once saw a church sigh that even proclaimed they were Non-Denominational! I recently joined the Charismatic Episcopal Church (CEC) which combines the Three Streams of Sacramental, Evangelical, and Charismatic experience of church. In addition there are predominately Black denominations that are historically derived from racial divisions of the past. These are mostly in the Baptist and Charismatic traditions. Thankfully most mainline Protestant denominations have become more or less integrated.
In current years there has been some revival in the Roman Catholic Church. You may have noted a number of celebrities joining. There is a growing appreciation for sacraments and symbols associated with worship. The (CEC) also has this emphasis.
What to look for
When seeking a congregation take not of their level of hospitality. Are you greeted warmly. Do the people near you speak to you. Is there a time for fellowship following the service. Does the pastor or visiting ministry reach out for a visit. Are there opportunities for participation in small groups and outreach ministries.
We live in troubled and challenging times. Let’s face it. We need all the help we can get. Churches are part of God’s plan to help us thrive and survive. Finally let us take a page from President Kennedy. Ask not what the church can do for you. Instead, ask what you can do for the Church to help spread the Kingdom of God.
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