church.

ever since nathan and i decided to search for a new church we frequently get asked, told , informed etc. about how we need to go back to church. all for different reasons-- fellowship, growth, or just you should go because that is what christians do....

now, i am a christian. and i am very passionate about what i believe and about God. i am blessed far beyond what i deserve. but, i am not one of those christians that will just sit in a high chair and get spoon fed and accept it. i feel like as christians, we should not become complacent in our relationship with God or in our churches. too many people just accept things for just being mediocre and never strive for anything better. they never look outside their box and question. they speak of not wanting to be like the pharisees but yet they are almost mirror images of them. these people cannot think for themselves, they get fed an idea and go with it. i think authenticity is lacking in most of the churches today. and even the word 'church' comes with soooo much preconceived ideas. structure. rituals. rules. judgement. it is stagnant. and even just being a 'christian' comes along with a checklist of preconceived ideas. carries a bible: check. talks about the bible all the time: check. sings and raises hands during worship: check. goes to church camp: check. quotes scripture on social networking sites in status: check. prays using the following words; Lord, Almighty, Kingdom, Bless, Mighty: check. and so on. it is ridiculous. how is that being authentic? how is that NOT being lukewarm? you know, to be honest, part of me doesn't want to go back to a church like this because i don't want to be like a sheep and fall into this dangerous pattern. i love being able to really search for the truth about who God is and how He wants me to live my life. i don't want to be tied down by all the religious stuff that comes along with being a christian. i want to be a Christ follower. and i am not trying to say i have all the answers because i definitely do not. i am still learning everyday and realizing everyday how very insignificant i am. it truly is not about us at all. and i think most of the time church isn't for God, but for us. and i think that is where it has all gone wrong.

questioning is what brings change. and i think it is time for a change in the church.