Go and Be

We did Church last Sunday.

Preacher didn't say a word.
Choir didn't sing a note.
Ushers didn't pass the plate.

But the Church showed up in a mighty way and it was incredible see the Church in action.

Last weekend was 'Go and Be' weekend - part of our Transform Your World program. For the last 3 years, we have closed the doors to the building on Sunday morning and gotten the Church to go out in the community and serve. This weekend, our family served in Garage Giveaway - everything was free to families in need. And you would not believe the amount of goods and food and services the church had to offer. A grocery store in Waco delivered 3 semi's of food, a local manufacturer of women's clothing delivered several truckloads of brand-new clothes (tags still on), the community donated clothes, toys, furniture, and appliances. Bounce Houses were set up for the kids, free haircuts were given, free eye exams were given, and the list goes on.

Thousands of people in McKinney showed up and the Church was there to be the arms, hands, legs, eyes, and ears of the body of Christ.

And that is what Church is . . . it's not the building, it's not the service, it's not the preacher.

I think we have lost that focus over the last few generations. So much emphasis has been put on the building, or the style of worship or the personality of the preacher/staff or the programs. And that's not the Church. The Church is believers of Christ serving others. . . plain and simple.

And that's the other part that we have sometimes lost focus on. . . It's not about serving each other in the building, it's about serving OTHERS. And as a very wise man's wife says (shout out to Deanne R) "you can't meet their spiritual needs till you meet their physical needs.

And that's what Go and Be was all about. This year, multiple churches in the Dallas area were involved. We've used several slogans such as "the Church has left the building" or "Don't Go to Church . . . Be the Church". But what ever we say, it's been exciting to see more and more people get involved.

Aidan and Noah were great helps this year. Both boys helped unload trucks and cars that were donating supplies for the Garage Giveaway on Saturday and Noah helped with landscaping and teacher's gifts at Finch Elementary. Becky and I helped in several different areas - from unloading to registration. But for me, not only was it a joy to serve along with other believers, but it was a joy to see my boys learning the true meaning of being the Church. They worked hard, without complaint, and with a smile on their face. And my prayer is that as they grow, they continue to selflessly give, work tirelessly, and serve others.

And for those of you reading, I pray you find your part in the Church. And I have to ask - What is your function in the body of Christ - and are you using it (or sitting on it)? Are you "attending" or "serving"? Are you taking care of the needs of those around you (especially those families with special needs kids)? Are you asking "how can I help you" instead of "wasn't that a good service (for me)."

GO . . . and BE!