Big "C" or little "c"

What is church/the church?

Well, if no one's going to speak up, then I'll just continue. :)

What do people think of when they hear the word "church"? What I hope they think and what I believe they think are two very different things. One excites me; the other disappoints.

I think it comes down to a person's understanding of what God's word is speaking of when it says "church," and how different Church is from church. See, Big "C" or little "c".

I guess I need to throw in some definitions in hopes for some clarity amidst my ramblings. And all of this must be taken within the context of our current society, because culture affects and steers our thinking and how we understand things.

Church (Big "C") is the corporate body of Christ, the people. While we can limit it to a certain time or certain place or certain group of believers, but it goes beyond geographical boundaries and outside of time. It is every believer before, now, and to come, from everywhere. This is what God speaks of in his word. The Bride of Christ, his people, his children.

church (little "c") is what unfortunately comes to mind for most people when they hear or discuss the word. It is a building, a place. It is a group of staff members and leaders. It is an institution. It is a religion.

My whole rant here was born out of a discussion I had today with Matt Massey, lead pastor for North Star Vineyard, in Loveland. He was gracious to sit down with me at the great Christian meeting hall and counseling center, Starbucks. Jenny and I have been visiting the NSV gatherings off and on for the past few months (more off then on with the baby and traveling). I'm excited to get to know Matt more as we take a step towards becoming more involved and seeing where we fit.

We were discussing possible land and building plans for NSV, and Matt shared a really cool thing. The church (little "c", as an organization) has been leasing the Loveland High School theater for it's Sunday morning gatherings. While most might think it imperative to get into a building, a place to call "home," as soon as possible, he made a great point. By not erecting a building and saying, "Here, this is North Star Vineyard Community Church," it keeps us and others from defining ourselves, the Church, by a building, a church.

Think about. How different is that from most people's thinking? What kind of an impact does it have on the part of the Church that constitutes NSV?

I hope it leads to this: We are a body of believers. We are children of God. We are the Church. It is not our duty to bring people to a building on Sundays to save them. It is not the church staff's responsibility to reach the lost and help them grow in Christ. It is the job, no, the blessing of the people to go and BE the Church. To go out into the world. To love the marginalized. To love God and live as his children.

Father, help us be the church. Help us live out your heart as your children. Help us understand how much is at stake.