- Dec 18, 2017
- 14,732
- 10,038
- 78
- Country
- New Zealand
- Faith
- Christian
- Marital Status
- Married
Hi there,
A few years back my best Christian friend died suddenly. We had jointly run an open home and an inner city drop in centre for at risk folks. We had seen Jesus work with us in remarkable ways. He was very well known.
I was grieving the loss but more than anything I wanted to honour his life.
I went to church hoping to be able to share what had happened and give a brief tribute.
As usual the service was tightly structured and it was like there was 'no room in the inn'
I came away with a deep sense of the lack of family - whatever was happening in there was tightly programmed against 'interruption' of any kind.
In our country there is a large group of believers who have abandoned modern church.
I am beginning to realise that folks are looking for family.
In a family the least are heard.
In a family all the needs are known and met.
In a family you belong.
Scripture says that we would have many teachers and very few fathers - and so it is.
The Pastor/Minister role fits the CEO job description better than the father role.
I have noticed a move away from Pastoral care even to the extend that the needy are referred to 'professional' support.
I guess we long for the heart of God when we meet rather than a beautifully crafted sermon.
I guess it is easier to teach theology than it is to teach love.
This reflection is a cry from the heart rather than a criticism.
We have lost so much from the days when the Minister would visit church families.
This is why there is growing interest in Home based fellowship.
We certainly do need to return closer to what we read in early Acts.
God hasn't changed - people haven't changed - why do we think we don't need church family.
Sadly when prosecution comes we will be forced to abandon present structures and adopt a more biblical model of loving fellowship.
In the mean time (literally) many remain disconnected and forgotten.
If your church has this family experience going - brilliant.
It is rare where I live.
Love you all,
I just ask that you hear my heart.
Blessings,
Carl Emerson.
A few years back my best Christian friend died suddenly. We had jointly run an open home and an inner city drop in centre for at risk folks. We had seen Jesus work with us in remarkable ways. He was very well known.
I was grieving the loss but more than anything I wanted to honour his life.
I went to church hoping to be able to share what had happened and give a brief tribute.
As usual the service was tightly structured and it was like there was 'no room in the inn'
I came away with a deep sense of the lack of family - whatever was happening in there was tightly programmed against 'interruption' of any kind.
In our country there is a large group of believers who have abandoned modern church.
I am beginning to realise that folks are looking for family.
In a family the least are heard.
In a family all the needs are known and met.
In a family you belong.
Scripture says that we would have many teachers and very few fathers - and so it is.
The Pastor/Minister role fits the CEO job description better than the father role.
I have noticed a move away from Pastoral care even to the extend that the needy are referred to 'professional' support.
I guess we long for the heart of God when we meet rather than a beautifully crafted sermon.
I guess it is easier to teach theology than it is to teach love.
This reflection is a cry from the heart rather than a criticism.
We have lost so much from the days when the Minister would visit church families.
This is why there is growing interest in Home based fellowship.
We certainly do need to return closer to what we read in early Acts.
God hasn't changed - people haven't changed - why do we think we don't need church family.
Sadly when prosecution comes we will be forced to abandon present structures and adopt a more biblical model of loving fellowship.
In the mean time (literally) many remain disconnected and forgotten.
If your church has this family experience going - brilliant.
It is rare where I live.
Love you all,
I just ask that you hear my heart.
Blessings,
Carl Emerson.
Last edited:
