A friend’s blog recently put a germ of a thought in my head. She discussed types of church and which was best.

This got me thinking, I know scary. First, I searched the verses and wonder what God said about the churches. Then, my focus changed to what do I like in a church.

1) Bible Studies (I love bible studies)

2) I prefer a teaching preacher to fire and brimstone preacher

3) A church should have outreach

4) A church should love

Then, God convicted my heart. What if it’s not about me? At least, not what I get out of the church.

At one time, I belonged to a church that was falling apart. The preacher had a nervous breakdown, the music leader left, the youth leader left, the children’s minister left. I was a Sunday School teacher and we were moving in a few months. I thought it would be great to move to a more together church for those few months. Go to bible studies and have a consistent environment. I prayed and prayed. Each and every time I asked God what I should do, He told me to stay and shore up the church. Today that church is one of the Mega Churches with a well known pastor.

Another time, I belonged to a church as close to what I believe a church should be. And from this church, God called me out and sent me to a dysfunctional church. I went kicking and screaming.

There I meet a woman who is the Pied Piper of bringing kids to church. She is a proper lady, very conservative, but she loves everyone. She cared for the single moms, their kids, the drug addict and the person struggling. Not in some abstract make a donation way. She gave her money, but she also brought the individuals with her to church. She picked them up if they needed a ride. God sent me to help her with the kids. He wanted me to serve. He wanted me to be her helper.

Which reminds me of Brother Craven, I have been talking about the people who influenced my early life. This man every Sunday drove an old school bus through the town picking up kids. I rode that bus. My mom would have taken me if the bus had not, but those Sunday mornings were special. We drove through town singing together picking up kids who would not have had a way to church. This man served. This man gave to the church without any real recognition or acclaim. Church was about how he could serve not how he could be served. And I thank him for picking me up every Sunday.

I confess, but I don’t think I am alone, when looking for a church I want a place that provides me with those things I like and I want a church that recognizes my talents. A place where I can write, teach or serve God in some nice way.

But maybe we are called to go into a church that is none of the things we want in a church. Maybe we join the church that has no love and we love the unloveable. Maybe we find a church that doesn’t have the funds for janitors and we offer to clean (this one hurts). Maybe we offer to help in any way we can.

A woman who was over programs at the first church I mentioned once told me people always have a million suggestions of how to make the church better, but when you suggest they take charge and do it, no one has the time. Maybe we need to find a church that is looking for someone to do all the things that no one wants to do and join–even if we have to roll up our sleeves and push a mop. Yikes!!

As I write this, I admit I would rather not. I want a comfy church. A place that recognizes my talents and loves on me. But I think God calls us to serve. Jesus told us to wash the feet of our brother and sisters. Jesus told us to not sit in the best seats at the dinner table but to take the lower seat assuming nothing. We are to be lowly, humble and the servant. And as much as it goes against our natures, we are to serve without expecting anything in return–not even a thank-you. Jesus will tell you thank you in person.

And if I think that I am better than all that. If I believe I should hold a position of power. Or I should be pampered. I need to take a second look at Jesus’ life. He loved and he served. Do I think I deserve better then my Lord.