The Church

Growing up as a “Navy Brat” and moving every year to two years all across the United States I was able to see the Church in a variety of different ways. I saw a Church in California that was very informal. A Church that was by far the most evangelistic than any place I have been. Church didn’t take place in the regular building settings all the time. Some evenings we would meet at the park or on the beach and have services. We would have Monday night Bible Classes at a variety of locations around the city because of the drive many had to make. A vibrant bus ministry reaching across all ethnic backgrounds. The community that it created was one that I believe is described in Acts 2: 42-47.

42They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Souls were being saved daily because of the encouragement and relationships being built from those small group studies. The Church grew not only in numbers but also spiritually.

Then the East Coast was our next stop. A very reserved and extremely fearful church. One that was not accepting to those needing a Savior. One that was more concerned with “getting it right” than reaching out to those that needed to hear God’s word. They were fearful of their own spirituality. Not strong enough in Bible knowledge to truly understand the Great Commission and responsibilities that we have being a Child of God.

Then the Mid-West. Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska. My favorite area of the country. A Church that is truly trying to reach out and build relationships with people. A Church that wants to seek God in every aspect of their lives. A Church that practices First Century Christianity.

I have worshipped all over the country at large Churches of Christ with 2000 members to a small country Church with 50. I enjoy the bond that we have in Christ with my brothers and sisters. I didn’t agree with all their practices, procedures but knew their hearts were truly centered on Christ and his mission…to seek and save the lost.

At Central that is our main goal. We want to practice our ABC’s Daily. Accepting those that need a Savior (Romans 15). Building relationships with those inside the Church as well as building relationships with those outside the Church that need Jesus. Then we are committed to serve others in our daily lives. Jesus gave us the greatest example of a servant (Philippians 2).