This is your place too

For too long the church has been too far away.

Or at least - that's how we live.

Because every time we do anything, or start anything, or even have a good idea, we always look at the same question - 'How will we get people to come here?' Which I'm sure is the same question that the hotels are asking Madagascar, but it's OK for them, because they are far away, and most of us are not sure what it would take to make us go there, but surely church shouldn't be like that.

And when did Church become somewhere to go?

It's not like Church is some sort of southern African island that's worth a visit if you ever have a chance - this is the organisation, or vehicle, of God's plan to restore planet earth.

People were never meant to go to church. Amongst the first Christians, Christians got together and then took church where ever they felt like.

Did you spot that?

They decided...

It was up to the church, no hoping that people would visit, no more 'travel agent' syndrome, church went where ever it needed, felt like, or wanted. Because, for the first Christians - this was their home as much as anyone else's - and they wanted to ensure God restored it.

Church needs to spread itself out a little more, and while we may feel a little thinner, we'll realise that we reach more people, go more places and be more like church. What we'll also realise (as Paul did in Acts 16) that we begin working to our agenda (which should be God's too). So things happen as and when God wants them to, and not just if someone turns up.

Even if you're in prison.