Church Shopping....

...I don't like the sound of those two words. When we go shopping we look for things that we like, look good or fit. In other words we search for things that conform to us, our shape and opinion. It's easy to look at a church the same way...do we like how it looks, sounds and feels? All of these things, in my opinion, are only small, unimportant parts of a church. We need to look deeper and look for a church that conforms to God, not to us. But that isn't always easy.

Exhibit A: This morning we attended a church that met in a movie theater. Yes, a movie theater, one that I can remember going to in high school. We left and these were the first thoughts that came to mind: the lead singer must have been off key 90% of the time, the dark theater and comfy chairs were the perfect combo for a nap and that the movie posters were pretty annoying when you're at church. After we sifted through our thoughts on the exterior appearance we realized that the sermon seemed right on and the mission of the church good as well. We felt very welcome and comfortable amongst these brothers and sisters. It's maybe not the most aesthetically pleasing setting for church, but last time I checked, that was not one of God's requirements.