In response to a friends email....

Friend wrote an email that included this:

"here is the question. I would LOVE any input (Biblical and non) of what you think church is SUPPOSED to be, and what it is NOT supposed to be. make it as detailed as you want. (one word, a phrase, an essay complaining about how the institution has hindered you/others from Christ, etc.)"

I knee jerk responded (that means didn't think through everything, just wrote off the top of my head):

"Just off the top of my head....


Church is supposed to be:

a place where Christians worship God together
a place where Christians gather to care for each other
a place to learn about God, his Word and his son
safe for those seeking Christianity to come and ask questions
a place to plan how to spread the Gospel

Church is not supposed to be:

Judge and jury on any given persons salvation or purpose in life
an abusive relationship where there is a victim and a victimizer or a user and a giver
a place to hurt or verbally abuse those who sin
a place to sell wares and make a profit off of God or his people
a place to send children so they can be controlled

I'll pray for you if you pray for me :) Let me know what's up, how things are going, and when I can see you again!

Crista"

Any thoughts?