August 26, 2012

Church, then what ?

During the sermon today, my husband and I noticed a board glazed-over look across the faces of the congregation. We considered the sermon and it was just a normal sermon. Nothing different about it.

But that was just it.

If you grow up in church, you will hear the same sermon several times a year. Sure it will be dressed up in different props, poems, punch lines. Different "sermon series." Different powerpoints. But the same common theme: We are sinners, Jesus saves.

There is NOTHING wrong with this message. In fact, every sermon should point toward the Gospel. Every sermon should mention the power of Gods saving love.

But what happens when every sermon is geared toward the unsaved, but preached to a congregation of hungry Christians ?

Our eyes glaze over.
We can repeat the alter call from memory.
We know when to raise our hands. We know when to collect our belongings.
We learn the routine, the church routine.

Maybe it's because we are in Bible College and we are used to amazing lessons, diving deep into the thick of the Bible. But we are having a difficult time finding a church that preaches the Bible.

I would imagine someone would say "well that is what Sunday school or Bible study is for."

So then I would ask, "If Sunday school and Bible studies are where we dive deep into scripture, why would seasoned Christians attend Sunday service ?"

I feel pastors fear a deep, Bible sermon just in case a stranger walks off the street and attends the service. They wouldn't want them to be lost in the stories, big words. Pastors look for quick, easy to digest sermons. But if we all eat fast food, are we truly getting fed ?

I don't think Sunday Service is the place for new comers. I think it is our job, not the Pastor's, to reach out to the unsaved. To invite them in our homes, life groups, or Bible studies. To have coffee with them and disciple them.

Sunday should energize and empower us to reach our co-workers, neighbors, and friends for Christ. Life Groups and Bible studies are great ways to invite those people into the word of God. Then when they would like to take them step or have accepted Christ into their life, attend Sunday service.

There may be a flaw in the system, but if the worldly see how bored we are in church, why would they attend ?

August 19, 2012

Sparrow Conference


I found it really annoying to go to church when I started attending Bible college.

The entire school attends chapel twice a week, and all classes obviously include the study of the Bible. When Sunday rolled around, I was exhausted with Bible content. I began to feel like I had heard every Bible story; there was nothing new to learn.

It got worse when we were learning about about different denominations, different preaching styles, and Bible interpretation. I felt like Simon Cowell of Sunday service, judging the pastors on their knowledge and delivery. It was a switch I could not turn off.

And eventually we just stopped going to church.

While I am saturated in scripture and sermons all week long, it is vital to fellowship outside of the classroom. There is a difference in expanding your knowledge and expanding your heart.


About two years ago I was listening to a podcast by Matt Chandler, the pastor of the The Village Church in Texas. Matt preached the Gospel from the Bible. He wasn't interested fluffing skirts, and "feel-good" messages. Matt preached the Gospel. I have been listening to Matt's sermons on Sunday mornings in my living room. I can trust that Matt is preaching the word of God.

Matt's wife, Lauren is kicking off the Sparrow Conference in Texas this October.

Sparrow Conference is a two-day event which exists to unify and mobilize college women to pursue Jesus Christ and the advancement of the Gospel by focusing on four discipleship elements: Truth, Freedom, Identity, and Purpose.

Registration will open next month. I hope to attend. This is such a great idea and perfect timing. This school year I would like to do things different. Maybe you're looking for the same thing !

You can find more information about the Sparrow Conference at www.SparrowConference.com
and follow them on Facebook and Twitter !




August 18, 2012

First Post

 In a world where everyone has a right to their opinion, blogs are all the rage. My generation has an anthem that says "don't tell me what to do, but listen to what I have to say."

I started off with a blog birthed as a way to share with my family and friends pictures and daily life, but ended up becoming a soap box for my bitterness and advertisement for myself. I was convicted about how much of my information what "out there." I was convicted about portraying a false identity of a perfect christian while living a different life on this side of the laptop.

Why Blog at all ?
I have a big mouth and I am away from home.

But.

This is a venue, a tool, that I understand.
I over share.
I love to share.
I may not have a single reader and I could just use a private journal, but I cannot get the idea out of my head that what I have to share could, maybe, might could... mean something to someone else. And that is worth it to me.

The gospel is worth it.