So You Don't Want to Go to Church Anymore: An Unexpected Journey

by Wayne Jacobsen

back to a traditional church and make the most of it.” The groans around the room indicated that wasn’t likely. “What I’m trying to get you to consider is that body life is not something you can create. It is a gift that Father gives as people grow in his life. Body life isn’t rocket science. It is the easiest thing in the world when people are walking with him. You get within twenty feet of someone else on that journey and you’ll find fellowship easy and fruitful.” “That’s what we’re looking for. We thought that when we got church right, we’d all have the relationship with God we’re looking for,” Marvin broke in. John continued, “Just consider that you’ve gotten it backward. No church model will produce God’s life in you. It works the other way around. Our life in God, shared together, expresses itself as the church. It is the overflow of his life in us. You can tinker with church principles forever and still miss out on what it means to live deeply in Father’s love and know how to share it with others.” “That’s not how I learned it,” Laurie offered. “How are we going to know how to live in God’s life if someone doesn’t show us?” “That’s where religion has done the most damage. By making people dependent on its leaders, it has made God’s people passive in their own spiritual growth. We wait for others to show us how, or even just follow them in hopes that they’re getting it right. Jesus wants this relationship with you and he wants you to be an active part in that process...