i think - i might know

So, in my last entry, I mentioned that I had just started reading The Emerging Church by Dan Kimball. Well, I finished it yesterday over nice cafe mocha at Borders. Amazing. Absolutely amazing.

And I think that this might be what God wants me to begin at Good Shepherd. Is that crazy?!

While I was sitting in "church" this morning - I found myself getting frustrated by the usual things. Now granted, I love Good Shepherd. The people here are incredible. But - there is no passion here except in Mark, my boss. His preaching shows passion - his humbleness shows passion - but I don't see any in the congregation.

I listen to them recite the liturgy as if it means nothing to them. I see and hear them just go through the motions of church - and it totally aggravates me. If you are just there to go through the motions and get done in the allotted hour and a half - DON'T COME! Honestly - you're not there anyway - what point is it to be there physically? Are you just trying to earn your "pew time" points?

I want to see people come together, as the church, to worship their Lord and Savior! That's what I want to see! I want to see people saying the liturgy with every part of their being. I want to see them actively involved in every word and every motion and every part of the gathering. I want to see people be there because they want to be there.

I have a friend down here that I would love to invite to be a part of the church with me - but I hesitate inviting him because I don't want him to see the shallowness of what the "church" has become. I don't want him to walk in expecting this great encounter with God and instead get a congregation that is half-assing their "pew time." Now granted, I know that God can do anything and will speak to my friend however He wants to - even through my church.

I just see something so much deeper that needs to happen.

I was talking with my former roommate, Leanne, about all of this yesterday. She, too, has read The Emerging Church. I told her that she should look for a youth ministry job in the Orlando area. I can totally see us working together for the glory of God. I can totally see God calling us to create an alternative worship gathering for the Orlando area.

I just pray that God would illuminate His path - that I might see it.

peace all,
~Jenna