I recently read a social media post from an unknown source that read, “…Don’t let a building confine your faith because we will never change the world by just going to church, we need to be the church.”  What inspires me about this quote, is that it encourages us to take action. 

For me, being the church means spreading spiritual love and kindness.  It is living with a servant’s heart and being helpful.  It is praying for opportunities to bless those around you.  It is living by faith.

Now here is the contradiction… My girls and I rarely attend a brick-and-mortar church.  We are a faith-based family.  However, we have not felt comfortable in a church in a very long time. 

It is not that I don’t have time or that I don’t feel it is important to go to church.  I absolutely feel the church has value to individuals, families, and the community.  So why is it that our family does not attend a local church?

For numerous years, I watched a televised church service. For me personally, it met most of my needs.  Worship music, prayer, and a positive message encourage one to take action.  There was something about this service that kept my interest.  At the end of the service, I remembered the sermon and gave some thought as to how I would apply it to my life.  I always left the service feeling stronger spiritually. 

I am very grateful the televised service has been a part of my life. But I also enjoyed being part of a brick-and-mortar church and I believe the church plays a vital role in the community. 

The reason we chose our local church was that It had a wonderful children’s program.  My kids enjoyed vacation bible school (VBS) and going to church.  The teachers made learning fun and the music was outstanding.  For me, personally, when my children are happy at church, I am happy at church.  It makes all our lives better when praising the Lord is fun for everyone.

All types of churches and all denominations experience change.  Most of the time we try to ride out the turnovers.  However, in the case of our local church, the place that was hit the hardest was the outstanding children’s program.  Step-by-step cuts were made.  VBS was canceled due to enrollment (schools were consolidating buildings at the time so I think it was more related to birthrate than VBS).  The children’s music program fell apart, and the curriculum became very dull.  I could see my children struggling and becoming negative toward attending church. 

We visited various local churches, however, we didn’t find a children’s program as energized as the one they were accustomed to attending.  As an alternative, for the past few years, our family rediscovered televised services.  Although it might not be for everyone, it has been a solution for our family.  On a positive note, I understand the local church we attended is rebuilding, and the children’s program appears to be strengthening, thank you, God!     

It has never mattered to me what type of church I attended.  I simply want to experience spiritual growth, I want to be challenged, and I also want to be encouraged.  I love it when the sermon leads me to take action.  Be the church!

Click here to stay connected.