Ephesians 2:21

Paul’s theology centered around the belief that all spiritual blessings and unity are found in Jesus. Paul uses the imagery of a building in his writings where believers are described as God’s building. The body being the entire building describes the universal church – all believers, Jews and Gentiles – being unified in Christ. Each believer has a place and purpose within the universal church setting. The community aspect implies a harmony where we all gel together with God as our master architect. The growth we go through as the universal church continuously expands and matures, both in numbers and spiritually as more believers deepen their relationship with God. The temple imagery connects to the Old Testament, where the temple was the swelling place of God. In the New Testament, the church is now the dwelling place of God through the Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is crucial in building and growing the church. We must seek the Spirit’s guidance and empowerment in their lives. I just recently preached an entire service about how the church needs to be the place to help the next generation. It caught a little backlash, but I truly think it was what the Spirit wanted me to say. I could go on for days about how the church, especially the United Methodist church, has done a disservice to today’s youth. I have worked with pastors before that kept their focus on bringing in new and younger families with children. This mindset, while not hurtful, ignores the middle group today’s children. We want to focus on the younger kids so that they grow up within the church system. Again, not harmful, but what about the kids who tried and fell out? What about the kids that are looking for a safe space but have not learned from their parents to find one? What about the kids that need help with a school system that has already been stretched with helpers and teachers? They need to have a place to go, and the church can be the answer. Churches can also get so focused on growing on Sunday mornings, and don’t recognize that growth can also include your mid-week programming. With the way today’s society works, they need options. The Sunday Morning Service is a staple that I don’t believe needs to change – but Sunday School should. The Wednesday Night Service is great to add – and combine it with a dinner as well. The church I used to work at did roller skating in their fellowship hall, which made them unique. How can you stand out while serving for God? Do it with love, transparency, compassion, and a way that honors God and changes the stigma of the church in general. I think based off this conversation, the sermon I preached will come next. It’ll be a longer devotional, but one that I think will make you think about your church and how they view the kids.

Next slice of manna: Manna for the Mind #237