When you hear the word, ‘Church,’ what comes to mind? A particular place? A Sunday morning gathering? What do you mean when you use the phrase, ‘My Church?’
Several years ago, during a visit with Pat Engle, she told me about her favorite poem. It is entitled, “My Church.” It was written by an unknown poet who simple signed, E. O. G.
My Church has but one temple,
Wide as the world is wide,
Set with a million stars,
Where a million hearts abide.
My Church has no creed to bar,
A single brother man,
But says, “Come thou and worship”
To everyone who can.
My Church has no roof nor walls,
Nor floors save the beautiful sod –
For fear, I would seem to limit
The love of the illimitable God.”
I have entered this poem into my daily devotion routine. It flows around at least once a month. As I read the words and the impressionistic visions it expresses, I am reminded of the ways we unintentionally refer to ‘the Church’ and ‘church.’ “Are you going to be in church next Sunday?” “I’ll see you at church.” “We missed you at church last Sunday.” “We met them for dinner after church.” “We had a good church service last Sunday.” “Hey, you shouldn’t run in the church.” We use the word church as if it is a synonym for place, sanctuary, worship, etc. Please let me be clear here; there’s no crime in overusing the word, ‘church.’ However, here’s a simple reminder.
The Greek word for church in the New Testament is ekklesia, which means “assembly” or “congregation.” Ekklesia can also refer to being “called out” or “a gathered community.” Ekklesia always refers to the people of God and never to a building in which the people of God gather. Our buildings are resources for the Church to use as stewards.
Through fifteen calendar years, you have often heard me remind you, “You cannot go to church. You ARE the Church.” Sometimes you are the ‘Gathered Church.’ Sometimes you are the ‘Scattered Church.’ You gather to worship God, learn together, make decisions about how to be committed disciples of Jesus, serve one another, fellowship in Christ, help one another, encourage one another, comfort one another, etc. You scatter to continue the ministry of Jesus, participate in God’s mission, bear witness of Jesus Christ spirit of life at work in you and through you, etc.
Beloved St. John’s, you are a wonderful church – a bold, loving, and missional body of believers. When you say, ‘My Church,’ it is my prayer that you will always think of one another and God’s mission before you think of the buildings located at 300 Hawthorne – although these are tremendous resources for the church to use in ministry as CHURCH. Shalom!
