If I asked you to describe your church, what would be the first thing you thought of? How would you describe it?

I have three different ways of looking at stats for this blog. I used to be addicted to checking them but I can now go ten whole minutes without looking at a single stat! Anyway, my three stats systems have shown me that I have gained a number of new readers in the last month or two. (A number being one or two.)

Since I have new readers, I thought I’d take a moment today to go over what Rediscovering the Church is about – and it will probably be a good reminder for those of you who have been reading for a while too.

Let’s go back to that question I asked at the beginning of this post. How would you describe your church? What’s the first thing that pops into your mind? Is it something like “We have an awesome Pastor, great teaching and amazing worship”?

Be honest now, is that what you first thought of?

For most of us, it probably is. That’s OK, you’re normal.

Now though I want you to think a little more. Instead of describing the church (little ‘c’) describe the Church (capital ‘C”). Don’t describe the systems and leaders and institution, describe the people.

The people are the Church. Tell me about some of them. Not just your close family and friends, tell me about some of the rest of the Church that fellowships with you.

Can you do it?

I realized a few years ago that I couldn’t. I knew a few people who were in my close circle of friends (family, actually) but I didn’t really KNOW any of the others.

I had plenty of opinions about them. I had labeled them and judged them from a distance but I didn’t actually know anything about them.

This extends out from my local congregation into the Church worldwide. I know the Church exists, but I really don’t know anything about them – except for the labels I give them and use to turn my nose up at them.

Rediscovering the Church is about reconnecting with the CHURCH. Not just getting involved in doing church more but actually discovering who these people are that God calls my brothers and sisters in Christ.

There are millions of incredible people out there who are part of this body we call the Church. Some are a little weirder than others, some might get on your nerves just a little, but they are all loved, saved and given new life by God through Jesus Christ.

I invite you to walk with me on this journey of Rediscovering the Church. Sometimes I’ll do things like I did on Saturday where I highlighted some Christian writers. I’ll let you write a guest post so the world can see who you are (just send ’em to me and I’ll schedule them in). I’ll talk about people I’ve met and experiences I’ve had. I’ll share with you what God’s been teaching me and maybe somewhere along the way we’ll stop seeing our differences and our prejudices and start enjoying and appreciating the wonderful variety that’s in our family, the Church.

Come, walk with me and let’s rediscover the Church together!