- No church is perfect.
- We are all part of the body of Christ.
- There are sincere believers in every congregation.
- Many pastors are humble, devoted, and committed to serving their congregations.
- Unity and fellowship are important, whatever that looks like for you.
- Sunday morning attendance might not be “community”, but over a period of time, it can foster a sense of connection and history with a group of people.
- While the institution may be flawed, typically the people gathered within it constitute the family of God.
- God is at work both within and outside congregations.
- The world desperately needs for the church to reflect the love of God.
- Part of reflecting this love is the love we have for one another.
- Love your tribe.
- Hopefully you and your tribe can love the world together.
The Fine Print
kingdom grace 
Love is the word Grace! Sometimes it is hard to love but I guess that is why we need the Spirit. Words like unity, church, fellowship, and others are all built on the foundation of love.
Grace, how can I message you privately?
You would probably enjoy Andi’s recent post on “Back to Church”:
http://andisperspective.typepad.com/andis_perspective/2009/05/back-to-church-ii.html
At least I did. :)
Niel Cole challenges churched people to define church. Their answers tell a lot about their church paradigm. I really like Niel’s ‘loose’ definition:
“A Family on Mission Together”
I like it. I long to find a basically simple organic group that sincerely and authentically embraces it. I hope there’s one nearby.
bob,
True, and the ways and places we love others are limitless.
ia,
My email is on the welcome page.
sarah,
Interesting. At this point, I find it really presumptuous to say what/how others should be gathering. It’s not a one-size-fits-all decision. And no matter where we personally gather, we are surrounded by so many other brothers and sisters who gather in different ways.
ken,
I have no doubt about your ability to follow the leading of the spirit to whatever is next for you.
True. There is no one-size-fits-all. What I liked about Andi (and the group he’s working with) was his and their openness to cross-over. I think it *would* be presumptuous to try to form something for others with no relationship, and no invitation. But in the context of relationship and invitation, and a hunger for change – I’m not as sure…