From Organization to Organism

About a month ago I met with my mentor for coffee. We had recently gone through some big changes at the church I was attending at the time (and had been a member of for over 8 years) which had caused us to go from a small, unconventional congregation to a big, conservative mass. 

Just so we are clear, folks, I am not conservative. 

My mentor, for whom I hold the utmost respect, cautioned me that day concerning the way I speak. He said that I may need to be careful concerning what I said and with whom I said it to. At first I did not think anything of it. After all, I know sometimes I get in touch with my inner sailor and some not so choice words come out that may offend some. Also, in spite of my education, I am still twenty something and my age tends to show when I speak. 

As the days started to pass something began to bother me. Before you jump the gun, no it was not my mentor, or anything he had said. It was an observation I have made in the past. 

Often times, we "not so conservative" are asked to bite our tongues (especially women) and walk on eggshells so we do no "offend" our conservative brother. 

Pause for a second. 

Now, I am all about not being a stumbling block for other believers, so yes sometimes I sensor myself out of respect and a touch of wisdom. However, I get the feeling we take this out of proportion sometimes. I feel that we use this teaching to justify putting others in a corner to bully so we can feel better about our own shortcomings. 

Such as "No, you can't talk about your views on (fill in the subject) because it might hurt my feelings. Cause let's be honest, I haven't taken the time to research, study and determine what Scripture and the heart of God really say on the subject anyway. I'm just restating what others have told me to say because it "sounds" Christian."

Really? 

I realized soon after that meeting, and I had been slowly coming to the realization for months: as a Christian, and especially as a woman who feels called to ministry, I cannot and will not be effective if I am hiding while I minister. 

The best pastors, speakers, teachers, etc. that I have heard have been transparent. Anytime we as ministers try to live a life of hiding, someday what we've been hiding comes to light. Trust me, it's better to be real up front, than apologize for the skeletons in your closet later on. 

With all of this stirring in my spirit, and after confirming with my husband, we decided it was time to leave our home church. 

In the most recent days I've realized something else: We have taken the beautiful, powerful, organic gospel and made it into an advertisement from which we can make a profit. 

Lord, forgive us for when we lose sight of what is truly important and set our hearts on worldly gain. 

My dear friends, it is high time that the organization that we have made the church (singular, "a church building") be torn down and that we be brought back to our roots. The Church (universal), has to wake up and recognize that it is not about how much money we can make at the next fundraiser. It is about breaking down the outdated idea of church being a building, and realizing that the Church is the people. All the time. Not just on Sunday morning. 

It's time for the organism to come back. For us to realize, it's not about things, it's about people. 

I love you all. You have value. I pray grace, mercy and peace over each of you.