It's a Wonderful Church

Do you have a favorite Christmas movie? As the days get shorter and the weather gets colder, I appreciate a good Christmas movie to bring the family together when it’s too dark and too cold to do anything outside.

Here’s a quote from one of our favorites, “Every time a bell rings, an angels gets its wings.”

As you probably know, Clarence got his wings and George Bailey was able to see what it would be like if he had never been born. It was an eye-opening experience that made him fully appreciate all the small and big ways his life had made a difference in his community. In the end he discovered just how “wonderful” his life was!

Have you ever stopped to think about how “wonderful” the Church is? If you haven’t, give me a chance to earn my wings: What if the Church ceased to exist? The local church (little 'c') is the most visible expression of the universal Church (capital 'C') so as I ask myself that question, I can only do so with Bentonville Church of the Nazarene in mind. 

·         Where would I go to encounter God in worship, to feast on his Word, and to develop relationships that feel like family?

·         Who would partner with my wife and me to disciple our boys and teach them about Jesus? 

·         Who would I rely upon to give Luke a pre-school education like the one he is currently receiving through In His Image?

·         How would families facing hunger insecurity in Bentonville get food on Mondays?

·         Who would supply OHMS students in need with weekend snack packs and new shoes?

Can you imagine going through life without a dedicated team of pastors who are called to teach the Word, lead in worship, cast vision for the future, administer the sacraments, marry the young (and old), comfort the hurting, mourn with the grieving, and equip the believers for the mission of God?

Take a moment and think about it.

Just so you know, the Church isn't going anywhere. I've read all the statistics saying the North American Church is in decline, but I refuse to believe the sky is falling. God is on the move, and he is transforming lives through his hands and feet known as the Church. 

However, taking a moment to imagine life without the Church is a beneficial exercise for us all. No one thinks about these things when everything is going well, but perhaps we should. It's a good way to not take for granted what God is doing by his grace and through his Spirit at work among us. 

It's not perfect, but it's a “wonderful” Church!