Being the Church

The Forward to a book I am currently reading is written by George Gallop Jr., Founding Chairman of the George H. Gallop International Institute. In the forward to the book, “Growing an Engaged Church”, he writes,

“ One of the clear signs of the times, as revealed by surveys, book sales, and other indicators, is the recent surge of interest in spiritual matters among the American people, and an intense hunger for God.”

As a pastor, I am always looking for ways to tap into that hunger. This intense hunger comes at a time when society seems to be moving away from traditional “Church” thinking and moving toward new ways of “being” the church instead of “going” to church. I have often told our people that our church ( perhaps better stated as our tribe of the church ) , happens to meet at 1146 Hyway 59. Understanding our wonderful heritage is important while we get inspired to be passionately involved in our congregations. That won’t happen by doing the same things over and over again. We need freshness. We need new ways to proclaim the time proven message of God’s love. We do not need just another program, but we must be open to ways of tapping into the God given imaginations of people around us.

The Gospel group “Mercyme” has a song that says this,

I can only imagine
What it will be like
When I walk By your side
I can only imagine
What my eyes will see
When your face Is before me
I can only imagine
Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus or in awe of you be still
Will I stand in your presence or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine I can only imagine
When that day comes
And I find myself
Standing in the Son
I can only imagine
When all I will do Is forever Forever worship You
I can only imagineI can only imagine
When all I will do Is forever, forever worship you

Go ahead, do some imagining today. It contains the word “image”. If we are truly created in God’s image then we have His “Imagination” in us. Let’s use it to up our spiritual intensity level.