briefermadness

Have we found a new church?

Since the demise of Water's Edge, we have been trying to figure out where we fit within "the body of Christ." Do we even "go to church" anymore, or just do home church? Do we go denominational, megachurch, small town church, etc.?

This Sunday we visited, for about the fifth time, one of our local congregations. It consists of about 50% college age and 20 somethings, but still has a fair amount of grey hairs attending. The music is progressive (edgy...way on past "choruses") and the preaching is great. I still feel a real pull to be involved with young people. Sue and I both enjoy the worship time. I think we may have found a good candidate. If I want to be involved in ministry to young people, this would be a place to be.

Concerns:

I'm still not convinced that we need to struggle to find a "building" to worship in. Sometimes "going to church" can numb you from "being the church." Is God just asking us to be satisfied with our home church and not worry about finding a building with a bunch of people?

Although I enjoy the young crowd, and the preaching, and the music, do I really sense a heart for "outreach" in the new church? It's a fairly new church plant. They have poured their energy into reaching out to youth and college age...is it fair to expect them to have already developed a ministry to the poor, for example? Actually, I do not feel that this church is too inward focused. If I give them some time, or become involved myself, I will probably discover a heart for outreach that I just don't see yet.

How will we get to know people? There is no "sunday school" structure; everything is in small groups. That's tremendous; except we already have a small group meeting in our home. Will we miss out at the new church because we are not in one of their home groups?

Oh well...don't know. I do know that He's in charge of this. But we still need to listen closely so that we get His plan and not ours.