Bustin’ Out of the Church Walls

After missing church three Sundays in a row, my husband Larry and I were overjoyed on Tuesday night to spend an evening fellowshipping with several of our “church family” members who serve with us on the board of our local Pregnancy Resource Center. We shared stories, a few somber moments, and plenty of laughter during our monthly business meeting, but the real communion began after the meeting ended, when we started talking about life and all the good things God was doing.

“I’ve missed you, Kim,” I said to one of my dear friends as we talked in the quaint kitchen of the home that graciously hosted the meeting. “I feel like we haven’t been to church in forever.”

“I feel you, sister,” she responded before telling me about all the adventures she had been on over the last few weeks. Between traveling to record a Christian podcast, recording music, and writing for the ministry website (where I’m also blessed to write), she had been just as busy as Larry and me. I then updated her on all the amazing places and races the Lord had taken my husband and me to and summed up our ventures by saying, “We’ve been out working in the mission field, and it’s been exciting!”

I said this because my spouse and I view everywhere we go as an opportunity to share the Gospel. I shared with her how our unique jobs give us an uncommon platform to talk to people we might never see on Sunday mornings. She replied, “We’re bustin’ out of those church walls, sister! I pray more people will do that.”

And, you know, it’s true that believers shouldn’t make a habit of skipping church, as the writer of Hebrews reminds us:

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

But it’s also true that when we, as individuals, are called to the mission field (wherever that might be), we shouldn’t let church attendance keep us from going where God calls us and doing what He asks. Paul reminded the believers at Corinth that each of us has a unique role to play:

Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way. (1 Corinthians 12:27-31)

And Jesus Himself sent His followers out with this command:

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen. (Matthew 28:19-20)

In the parable of the great supper, He painted the same picture:

Then the master said to the servant, “Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.” (Luke 14:23)

You see, church can certainly be defined as a house of worship and a place where believers come together to praise the Lord, encourage one another, grow in the knowledge of His Word, and consider ways “to stir up love and good works” in our brothers and sisters. We are “the body of Christ,” made up of individuals with different talents and unique gifts—talents and gifts given to them by God to “go out” and share the Gospel and make disciples.

Did you get that “go out” part? This means each of us will sometimes need to bust out of those church walls, as my friend Kim says, and go out “into the highways and hedges” of our communities to compel the lost to seek Jesus before it’s too late. Now, while the way we do this might look different for everyone, one thing is the same: We are the church wherever we go.

So, if God is calling you to “go out” into the mission field, by all means go, my friend! But don’t forsake “assembling” with the body of Christ. Gather with your church family as often as you can, especially as we see the Day approaching. That is where you and I are sharpened, strengthened, and refreshed for whatever God has in store for us.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that “church” is not only a building but the body of Christ, commissioned to go out and make disciples. Lord, as we see the Day approaching, help us see the importance of fellowshipping so that we might encourage one another to stay strong and complete the mission You have for us. In Jesus’ precious name we pray. Amen.

Happy Running!

Melissa Sharp is an ultra runner and running coach who has completed more than 100 marathons and ultra marathons. Melissa has learned how to keep running the race of life for the glory of Christ even though she endured decades of domestic abuse. Melissa is a survivor. Through her daily blog thejoyfilledrunner she inspires others to live in the strength of Christ.