Looking for a Church

We are in the process of looking for a church in our new city, and so I had to go back and reread my friend's post on how we do church, because I agree with much that she says. Read it here: http://beautyinweakness.blogspot.com/2010/11/candid-post.html

In our search for the right place, we've found one church that was great on many levels, but frustrated us because they seemed totally 'ingrown' - everyone homeschools. I find that sad because they have great kids that would be such a light in the schools and communities. Yes, I have many wonderful friends who were homeschoolers and friends who sent their kids to private schools. But I have this dream. If all the private schools shut down and those teachers would have to teach in public schools, and all those kids went to public schools, and all the homeschoolers joined them, and all the great parents who take the time to homeschool would get as involved in the schools... WOW! We'd have the greatest public schools on the planet!! And those who couldn't afford the two opt-out options, would actually have Christian friends in their schools! (Yup - that is where my resentment-induced dream comes from... But it's a great dream anyway, isn't it?)

Okay, I got side-tracked with that rant. Back to the main topic: church-hunting.

We found other churches that are filled with people exactly like us... And what is wrong with that, you ask. Plenty! God isn't just the God of middle-class, middle-aged, white folk. I'd like a church with color. Not just culturally - though I'd like that as well. But if the less fortunate can't find God in my church, then maybe He's just not there.

We have found churches where people rush by us, and no one stops to say hello. Maybe they are too busy with the important things they need to do. Or maybe they are too important to have to speak to strangers.

Today we attended one that was a breath of fresh air. Everyone (seriously... EVERYONE) that we passed, smiled and said 'hi' and/or shook our hands and welcomed us. In fact, when they gave people time to greet each other during the service, it went on and on. I'm sure some of the folk walked around the entire congregation to make sure they didn't miss anyone. I got the impression they loved each other!!

The congregation was colorful. Not only were there people of many cultures present, there were people of every age, and every income bracket. The man who looked like he came off the street was welcomed as warmly as anyone else.

The singing was true worship - people worshipped as they were comfortable with raised hands (or not), clapping if they chose, or just with eyes closed, and even with tears streaming. I truly felt God's presence with an awe that I haven't sensed in church in a long time. The message was challenging. The alter call brought many people forward and the pastor took time during the closing singing to pray with each one individually before he went back up on stage to close the service.

Have we found our church? I don't know. I know for sure that God met us there this morning. But I also know that we are two different people with different ideas of what is important in a church. Our decision must be made together. Surely God is in more than one place in Winnipeg on Sunday mornings.