What Happens in Church

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Sitting in church on Sunday morning, I tried to figure out what it is exactly that draws me here. Why when I miss church, I feel like I’ve missed out on something and vow to make it the next Sunday.

“I belong here.” Not here, exactly, this seat in this church, but here, in the family of God, gathering together to seek Him, to give Him praise, to learn about what it means to be a true follower of God, to maybe hear what He has to say to me today. Sometimes to crumble. Because life just keeps coming at you nonstop and it’s too much and you need a place where you can just fall down and cry and say “enough.” I can’t do it.

I belong here, amongst family, fellow believers who to me are the arms of Jesus, and I to them. The Body of Christ. I belong here. And so do you.

Church is about a lot of things, but for me church is about belonging.

I hadn’t been to Sunday morning church for a very long time. Months. Getting there just got very hard. When I sat came in late and sat down near the back, I said to God, “Dude, I’m trying.” And He said to me, “and that’s good enough.” Being in church is like standing under a waterfall of grace. The mercy of God just drenches you. His goodness towards you overwhelms you with thanksgiving, and so throughout the service there’s this sort of conversation happening, if you will let it: a breathing in of God’s powerful love toward you, and a breathing out of joy. It’s prayer. And for some reason, God likes to accomplish it in church.

When we realize our need for family. When we come in wearing our failures and vulnerabilities like garments. When we admit to God we are doing the best we can. Then, church happens.

As the band plays meaningful worship songs, confession begins. I am guilty, and I confess. I humble myself before God in worship. I ask for help. I look around me and reach out to my family in love. I extend the forgiving, accepting love of Christ. I make a change.

When the songs end, my pastor, my shepherd, my friend, speaks about God’s Word. I know the power of which he speaks when he says God’s word comes alive in you, giving you life. I resolve to read the Bible more this week, to seek and find God in the blessed scriptures, because I want life. My pastor tells us the meaning of the word “save.” To save: to deliver out of danger, into safety. Through hearing God’s Words we are saved. And the Spirit of God changes everything.

I know I am changed. And I am glad I went. Maybe I’ll see you there next Sunday?

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