“What I Love about the Church…” – Doug Young, Guest Writer
What I Love About the Church
by Doug Young
I’ve met numerous people who both love and possess a certain sense of disgust for the church, both, for a myriad of different reasons. Ironically, many of the one’s who loathe the church are, actually, a part of it. They’ve been burned, though, and they say they aren’t going back, either. Some might, but they are going to have to cool down a bit.
Most certainly, this is to be expected. Contrary to common perceptions, the church isn’t worship. The church isn’t a building where Christians come together or people get married. The church is people, and any time you bring people together into one collective there will be difficulty. It’s always been that way.
Just read the book of Acts. People of all sorts found Christ, and consequently found himself or herself added to the collective body of the redeemed (Acts 2:47). They were from different places, and later were even of different nationalities. But this made things extremely difficult for them. It was anything but an easy transition. Personalities and personal preferences often lead to conflict. The first century church couldn’t even escape this inevitable outcome.
Without question, what I struggle with most about the church is also what I love most about it…the people. I love that the church is people, imperfect people made whole by a perfect Savior. Yet, this truth can do one of two things. It can either foster an air of superiority that smacks of all things Pharisaical or it can thrust us into the humble way of Jesus, serving saint and sinner alike. When the latter of the two happens, I see my greatest love and appreciation for the church in full bloom. When the former of the two is witnessed, I find myself wanting to do very little for her.
I love that the church is community. All who a part of it share a number of things in common. The single greatest commonality is that we all were lost and is now found in Christ. We share stories, experiences, and hardships with each other, all in an effort to relate and encourage one another. We are a worshiping community that expresses adoration and praise to the God who redeemed us from our past and causes us to be justified by the life of His Son. We are family, and I love that those whose upbringing might have been deficient when it comes to family bonds get opportunities to forge those bonds with others in the family of God.
I love that the church is thrust into the mission of God (Ephesians 3:9-11). It’s calling is to proclaim the gospel in both message and life. In doing so, it’s engaging in “the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). God, through this mission, is reconciling the world to himself. Take it or leave it. If you are a part of the church, you are a part of the mission of God. You are called to serve, and serve you must.
I love that the church is Christ’s (Acts 20:28), not mine. I am a part of his collective, not the other way around. This is his mentoring program. I’m his disciple. I follow after his ways. I need not try to make him into what I want. By the Spirit, he is making me into who he wants (2 Corinthians 3:18).
I love the church for these reasons. I’m sure there are more. But these are the ones that are churning and burning inside of me. I hope they will do for you what they have done for me!
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About Doug Young:
Doug has done pulpit work for the last 10 years, but has recently begun working with the New Mexico Christian Children’s Home in Portales, NM. He and his wife, Tisha, have three children. He is currently working on a Masters Degree in Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation through Abilene Christian University.
Doug’s writing and thought may also be found on his website: http://douglasryoung.net/
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Personal Note:
I thank Doug for his willingness to take some time and guest write for the Preacher’s Pen site. I first “met” Doug on Facebook and Twitter, but shook Doug’s hand for the first time in Tulsa last year. Doug truly has a heart for the lost and a heart to assist others reach heaven. I wish Doug the best as he is now working with the New Mexico Christian Children’s Home. May the Lord bless this new endeavor!
Just some thoughts,
Chris
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Thanks for the invitation to serve something up at The Preacher’s Pen. Love and appreciate you, bro!
Wonderful thoughts. Thanks Doug
Great job Doug!