I moved away and work every Sunday. Make’s it hard to go to church. I got a new individual to care for and she had a regular church. So my family and I have joined it. It is too big for my taste, but we feel comfortable in it. I feel I do better with church in my life. I do need to build some relationships there as I still have not done that.

I think, oftentimes there are people who feel that the church – the physical brick-and-mortar church – is their salvation. When they put the church on a pedestal, they are heartbroken when it falls. Of course it’s going to fall! The church is filled with sinners. Even those in position who are called by God to lead are sinners. Being a Christian doesn’t automatically make us ‘used to be’ sinners.

When we put Salvation where it really belongs, we can use the church for how it’s meant to be – fellowship with others and outreach.

I have to comment on the ‘one size fits all’ version of Christianity. I’ve ran across a comment about it twice this morning, so I’m thinkin’ God is talking to me. I’ll share – take it for what it’s worth.

The lesson in Sunday school this week (July 27th) is ‘What Will Heaven Look Like?’ In the lesson, the author cites Rev. 21:22-27 where John writes about there being “many nations”. Many times, I’ve often thought of Heaven as a place that was filled with people like me (obtuse thinking, I know…I’m a work in progress, here). This lesson showed me (reminded me, really) that Heaven will be filled with people from many nations with many different talents.

So, if Heaven is going to be this wonderfully, diverse place – should the physical world in which we live now be just a diverse?

Of course it should!

Erin, of course you were right, you know my background. I hope you’re right about my future as well. =)

Irish, sometimes I don’t feel like going to church, and I’m thankful that I have a commitment to go because of my responsibilities. It’s definitely hard to get up and go in her hectic schedules.

Cara, you said, “I think finding the right church, with the right atmosphere and the right people can meet a lot of needs.” True, but I don’t think that there always is a just right church. No church is perfect, and no one is going to agree with everything that is taught or done in the church. I think it is important to get involved in a church regardless, knowing that it is imperfect from the get go if I’m involved.

Alissa, Lutheran and Church of Christ? Yeah, I can see how each of you would be comfortable in different churches. Kudos on not giving up, though.

Apple, your comment about no one throwing you in a puddle made me laugh. You also said, “If you stop seeing people as individuals and just start seeing them as another head in the pew, you lose them.” Oh, definitely. That’s why it’s important to remember the analogy of the body, we all have different roles and functions within the body, but they’re all needed! I don’t agree, though, that church is “just a hub where Christians can go to be in touch with each other.” I believe that the church is a special creation of God, though it by no means is the only way to meet with God.

2nd – i grew up in church. My dad is a pastor. I don’t currently attend a church and at times it bothers me. But overall, i don’t feel the obligation to go as something coming from Christ, but rather from the opinion of others. I don’t want to write a book in your comment section. lol. I think finding the right church, with the right atmosphere and the right people can meet a lot of needs. But i don’t believe that is true for everyone – so it’s really hard to say a clear cut – i agree/disagree. It’s a toss up.
Just remember what Keith Green said: “Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian, anymore than going to McDonald’s makes you a hamburger.”

I can easily flip flop in my church attendance. It’s hard, so hard sometimes. Getting four people in the shower, eating breakfast, walking the dog, and stuff and being at church before 8:30 a.m.–seems impossible at times!

I can say without reservation, when I fall into the rut of a “no questions we’ll be there” habit into the habit of “just not this Sunday”- I need a break, we’re out of town, etc…. those are the times when my world really falls apart. Seriously.