I grew up with the mindset that church is in a room. And you go to this space and meet with other Christians weekly.
Twenty years into my journey with God, I discovered that the Lord is experienced much more fully in face-to-face gatherings in homes where every member is welcome to function and contribute in the gathering. At the same time I discovered that those who were aware of this alternative experience were small in number. So my room expanded – but there were few people in it.
At this point in time the Lord is showing me that every believer in Jesus Christ on the earth is a member of his one body. And we are united in this body by the Spirit of Christ which dwells (lives) in every believer and brings every believer into Christ.
This means that I have a common identity with every person I meet because they are either a member of this same body of Christ, or a potential member just waiting for the Seed of Christ to be planted in them.
In addition to what I have experienced, the Lord has given me a window into a little flock which I have watched grow and struggle together over the last fifteen years.
They have struggled under an administrative arm that has seemed heavy-handed and dictatorial at times. They have struggled with different pastor personalities and also relationally amongst each other at times. They have labored to serve their community with love even when someone occasionally betrays their generosity by stealing from them.
Again, this has been a microcosm of the body of Christ, struggling but faithful, hopeful and persistent.
May the Lord continue to lead us all into an ever-expanding space of freedom in Christ. Where all are welcome and accepted and free from artificial boundaries and obligations. And where Jesus Christ is uplifted and glorified and allowed to do his work in us and among us. Transforming us into his image. Amen.