“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
Churches can be wonderful institutions, but they aren’t the be-all-end-all of spirituality. Whether you haven’t found the right church home, or you just feel intimidated approaching one, there is no reason why you should miss out on the community of Christ. Jesus intended for relationships to be the heart of his new society. Notice he doesn’t dictate where you find those relationships. The idea is to build the church in every moment of every interaction you have. Too cerebral for you? Below are some ways you can build a “church” in your life. No downpayment necessary!
1. Stream Something
There are so many pastors available on websites, television and public access. Find one that speaks to you. I credit Joel Osteen with reigniting my interest in my Christian faith with an accessible message. Pastor Darlingston Johnson then became my go-to in my local area. The idea is to start somewhere and build a habit of receiving a spiritual-based sermon. The second part of this is what you DO with the message. Some ideas: phone a friend, journal, meditate, break down the sermon into a “theme” for the week and write it on your mirror… the opportunities are endless. You can/should have a good conflict with what’s said, don’t accept everything as “gospel.” No one has all the answers, and we are all starting from the same position. Take this opportunity to accept and reflect on what you’ve heard.
2. Phone a Friend
You don’t have to listen to a sermon to connect with the body of Christ. But you do have to reach the quota of “two or more.” So find someone! Meditate on who needs a phone call and then dial that number. The person at the other end may be anticipating your call, or could be amused to hear from you. Either way, the goal is the same–reach out! Ask how they are doing, be interested in the goings-on of their daily lives. It feels good to inquire about something/somebody outside of our little bubbles, and it feels ecstatic on the other end to know someone cares.
3. Connect with a Stranger
This is one of my favorites. That girl you see near the water cooler but never talk to? The janitor you pass every morning with a curt “hello.” Stop and engage that person. Ask how their weekend was, what they’re having for lunch, anything that brings them into the center of your focus. You don’t have to make a new best friend and don’t freak anyone out by sharing TOO much. Tip the balance of completely ignoring that person into bringing them into your spirit. It could be as simple as introducing yourself and saying hello.
***
Small things matter when building your “church” in life. But the cool thing is, all one or three of these tips add up into something really exceptional. Happy churching!
Leave a Reply