Following Christ doesn’t make sense sometimes. I think God wants it that way. His ways are not our ways. Remember what Jesus said, This is the Great Reversal: many of the first ending up last, and the last first. (Matthew 19:28 The Message) When we’re flat on our back there’s only one place to look: up. That’s what God wants - our hearts, our lives … our all.

I just came across this passage in the Gospels where Jesus said, For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light (Matt 11:30). Sometimes I read this and I think how in the world can this be? As Christians, maybe we’re missing out on experiencing the inner joy, peace and contentment because we make things too hard and complicated or we get distracted - even by religious stuff.

But the life with God that the Bible talks about seems like it can reach a place where it happens freely and naturally in us. I think that’s what Jesus was talking about in Matthew 11:30. At our core, we become more and more like Jesus’ inner self as we imitate words, thoughts and deeds that He would say, think and do. The more we engage, the easier it becomes. It seems like the more we rely on Christ changing us from the inside and not some religious formula, the easier it becomes.

I guess you could say I live by that.  Step out.  Take risks.  Just go for it - and fail.  But, maybe one time, I’ll succeed.  Life’s like that isn’t it?  I think God is about that.   The great thing too is there’s always a huge safety net to catch us when we fall or fail - God’s amazing love and care. 

As I’ve been out in the community just meeting people and connecting with them, I sense that more and more people are looking for more meaningful spiritual connection - no matter what they’re background is. I’ve also been connecting with local businesses about The Church Upcounty. Most of them are somewhat intrigued when I mention that we’re at the Regal Theater.

They usually say something like - “Church in a movie theater?” I love it! Why not? I think people want more than what they’re experiencing. I think people want to know that there’s a God who loves them just as they are - a God who offers them life that they’ve always dreamed about.

As we connect with people in our community, what we’re discovering is that we don’t need another church. Rather, we need to create places where people can find real spiritual connection with a God who loves them. How do we avoid just being another church that doesn’t speak the language of our community? That’s a question that drives us.