A Pilgrim's Progress

Ron & I have been out of organized church for several years, but have instead chosen to meet, serve, and give in less structured ways. And in many ways, it's been great. But recently, I've been prompted by a dear sister to re-assess our church attendance status, which has led me though a wonderful week-long study of Church history as both a backdrop and a foundation for this re-assessment, for which I am very grateful.

The result? Well, in places I’ve uprooted my own misconceptions and had to open my heart. In others I’ve found truths which make me dig my heels in. Overall, though, I have seen that where we are is not ideal and am sensing a call to action. So here’s the scoop, in timeline form with a few short comments thrown in.

BC 100: Jewish and Roman worship in Jerusalem:

·         * Lavish temples in poor parts of town

·         * Obligatory, burdensome rules on giving, based on tradition rather than inspiration

·         * Meetings with inflexible programs and rituals, seldom inspired

·        *  Pedigreed Priests, elevated above other believers, at times heavy-handed

The prophet Isaiah pronounced this as a heavy yoke upon the people and proclaimed that one day this yoke would be abolished and broken over their necks.

AD 100: Worship in the new following called “The Way:”

·        *  Meetings in homes and other buildings, as provided

·         * “As-inspired” giving to church workers, sister churches, and the poor (at times selling to give)

·         * Orderly, yet inspired and highly interactive meeting programs

·         * Leadership of common but respected fellow believers, training the “laity” for ministry

This brought followers in by the thousands at times, and their numbers grew daily. This was the real deal and the “average man” knew it.

AD 1500: Christian worship in Europe: See BC 100 (Back to the heavy yoke, and add to it numerous onerous un-biblical traditions and expeditions which one could say crucified the Christ all over again in the eyes of the un-churched for centuries to come) This was unacceptable to Luther, the pilgrims, and many others. Since then,“The Way” has survived various reformations and schisms, and appears to be slowly returning to its less “religious” roots. The strength of these reforms shows that the common flock-member is anything but a sheep, and the tremendous growth of these movements shows that God is fully behind independent action when implemented with humility and love.

AD 2013:  Continued Reformation:   See AD 100 (Shattering new yokes)

It is hoped that Church growth will once again surge with this return to a less “religious” atmosphere. This current reformation is occurring both by loving admonishment from within church walls, and by creation of new forms of inspired worship without. But this is where I've had to open my heart: we well-meaning "pilgrims" need to be sure that if going from something, we go TO something, and aren't stuck in the wilderness in a tent all alone, vulnerable to deception and attack. We would do well to either search out our ideal (or close to it) and become involved, or consider God's help in creating that ideal somehow (which might also become the ideal of others and all is well!) But be honest in judging if you are really attached or not, then act. 

The Christian Church is alive and well, making headway from a childhood marked by vulnerability and manipulation, through the turbulent self-reckonings of adolescence (seldom seen in other faiths), to the quiet self-assurance of selfless adulthood, and her long-awaited wedding day.

Also, I've evolved in my idea of what a church really is. We believers are a part of a Body and that Body needs us. Though Scripture is scant in PREscription, its general  DEscription is that they meet regularly (weekly and even bi-weekly) and in groups large enough to have leaders, witnesses in disputes, and consistent opportunity to practice corporate worship and family life. Families are everyday kind of groups. –Village Inn once a month with the Joneses, not so much. (It’s certainly beneficial, but not really family.) We live together. We serve, help, and forgive each other. It’s work. I don’t really miss that part, but I now believe God misses it for me, and for others. And so I must deal with that, with God’s help.
But, with that said, let’s talk. Very clear in the NT: “Love God, love others.”  Not so clear (on purpose):  "Give this much, at these intervals.  Never miss a meeting. Give and serve, even when it hurts." These messages, though subtle, are still very much a part of today's worship; a remnant of religion's yoke still yet to be broken. Let's not deny it. Let's fix it. This yoke hides God’s freedom and power for many, and the result is that they never find true life.

Christ's yoke is easy. What does that mean? If joining a fold, it's keeping our ear open on how or where to give, when and where to gather, how to stay connected. If starting a fold, it's trusting God to meet your needs without undue pressure or obligation. and if needs aren't met, being open to other options. There are only two yokes. The light and the heavy. People gravitate to the light yoke. They should. And time is short.

Reformation must continue. -Again, either lovingly from within, or through loving alternatives without. But for one who cares about people, abandonment is not an option. The Bride of Christ cannot enter selfless adulthood and fitness for her destiny but that her members do so first.
So it looks like I’m back in the game.
Thanks again, sis. Thanks a lot! :)