From 2012 until the moment you are reading this article, it’s been extremely difficult for God’s people to locate a genuine expression of church that is marked by face-to-face community and the centrality, supremacy, and headship of Jesus Christ.
I’m speaking of the specific kind of church life I’ve described in my very old books Reimagining Church (2008) and Finding Organic Church (2009).
The reason has to do with the seasonal nature of the restoration of God’s house.
Namely …
Reason 1: While the idea of Christ-centered community is appealing to many, the cost for securing such community is obscenely high. So much so that the masses of 20s, 30s, and 40s prefer to be found in four other places that are far more convenient:
* Neo-Reformed churches.
* Mega churches.
* Liturgical “high church” assemblies.
* No church of any kind. These represent the “Dones” who have washed their hands of any regular gatherings or community-life. It’s lonelier, but far safer.
Reason 2: The word “organic church” has been hijacked to mean 1,001 different things, all of which are radically different.
For that reason, I stopped using the term altogether. It’s devolved into a clay word that’s been molded like silly putty into sheer meaninglessness. The fact that the term no longer has a monolithic meaning has added to the disinterest.
The majority of those who are interested in the organic expression of the church right now (whatever they think the term means) are people in their 50s, 60s, and 70s.
And most of them are having a horrible time finding others who are interested in meeting outside institutional lines who live in the same state, let alone the same city.
In addition, when they do contact a group that purports to be “organic,” it’s almost always a small-is-beautiful version of the institutional church. And some of them are highly-legalistic, highly-toxic groups.
Among those interested in organic church who are 50 years old and up, bickering over doctrines and practices — with a good mix of serious personality conflicts sprinkled in — is common.
So much so that many who are new to the idea of “organic church” have turned off to the idea by the doctrinal beat downs, personal vilification, mud-slinging, and theological smackdowns among its advocates.
A New Season
Historically, God has worked in seasons. This is true for revivals. Most revivals in history lasted less than five years. It also applies to spiritual awakenings concerning the ekklesia.
As I write this, we’re in a season where the waves of a Spirit-generated revival are non-existent in North America. There’s also no significant awakening regarding the restoration of God’s house.
The good news is that I’m hopeful and expectant that we’ll again see the day when the Spirit of God will move on His people to restore the ekklesia as He intended according to His eternal purpose.
And when that happens, I plan to be on the front-lines once again.
In fact, that day may be around the corner. However, it’s going to require a few things for it to flourish and be in line with God’s will.
I wrote about this very thing recently in an article called Rethinking Church – Addressing a Danger.
So what is God doing now?
Right now, many who have read my signature book Insurgence: Reclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom are forming kingdom outposts (cells) where they live.
This is something very easy to do because it only requires two people to begin.
To learn how to create a kingdom cell where you live, read this article: ==> HOW TO FORM A KINGDOM CELL WHERE YOU LIVE
So if you’re looking for an “organic church” to meet with, my advice — you will probably disappointed if you try to find one.
Instead, form a kingdom cell.
Note that a kingdom cell is NOT an ekklesia (as envisioned in the New Testament). But it can turn out to be the ground floor of one in the future. And right now, in this season, it appears to be what God is breathing on until the season changes.
Related Articles:
Kingdom Ministry – A Discussion on House Churches vs. Organic Kingdom Communities
What is an Organic Church? A Plea for Clarity
Why Organic Church is Not a Movement
Why I Don’t Advocate House Church
Stop Looking for an Organic Church!
A Message for People Who Gather in Homes
10 Myths About PAGAN CHRISTIANITY & REIMAGINING CHURCH
House Church vs. Organic Church
Thanks Frank for this sharing.
I am from Singapore, land of emerging mega churches and current MEGA churches too. But I see we are swaying into the Western world’s way of doing “church”…. it’s become a huge gigantic conglomerate, highly commercial entity steam rolling over anyone who doesn’t “agree” with their doctrines, theology, etc etc.
But in recent years, there also sprouted many “organic” groups and you are so right, everyone in them has their own theology and you basically gets smacked down for “different” train of thoughts.
But there’s 3-4 of us in the work place from 4 different mega churches who comes together almost daily to pray, exhort, edify one another as well as talk about Jesus (Yeshua)… and pray together regularly too (because most of us do not attend the instituitional church on a regular basis (kinda like once a month thingy)… hah!
But thanks for that word that you shared that just having 2-3 would be doing “church” and we actually spend 2 hours on average whenever we meet….
so thanks for that encouragement Frank.
I got your “Pagan Christianity” with me since 2008 and thoroughly enjoyed it… take care! 🙂
Ok, once again, I’m humbled. I thought I was the only one who saw these trends (seasons). 15 years ago we raised up a church from scratch. We were denominationally supported – which ended up being our undoing. According to church leaders, we didn’t look like a church. The Lord moved us to another city and sadly to a traditional church setting – which did not work well. Our thought, since then (2009) is that we would just do a house church. We’ve been waiting and praying for the right time.
You’re right about the four places/gatherings where people are going. And it appears we might now live in one of those cities where no one seems interested in doing a true organic church. #sigh
It’s a sad, lonely, and dry place to be. Especially with young kids.
Thanks for this post, Frank. It really answered questions I’ve been wanting to ask you.
I’ve been so stirred by the picture of what church can look like in some of your other writings, because it resonates so deeply with seeds or the instinct that you mention we have within us. But not knowing what to do about it has been troubling and frustrating. So your example and wisdom on seasons gives great guidance and peace.
I also followed your links to better understand the focus of your ministry today and was really touched by your “Blessed are the undesirable” post.
All the best.
Paul K.
Thanks Paul. I’m glad it was encouraging to you. Also appreciate that you clicked on the link about the season of ministry I’ve been in since 2011. It’s really exciting.
Frank, I read this article twice and it’s confirming and I’m now excited because of what you wrote in the end part.
I’ve read a few people online who totally misunderstood what you’ve said here. I don’t think people read blogs carefully. I used to be involved with one very large organic church organization & we had to shut down our seminars several years ago because of lack of interest.
I can’t see how anyone who has been around for awhile in organic and house church circles can disagree with your main point unless they just didn’t read your article with care.
Frank, your article really helped me. My husband and I are in our 30s and all of our friends are either in the Reformed church or they’re in a mega church like you said. We just started reading about organic church in 2013, and we’ve not been able to find anyone in our age group where we live who is interested. Even our friends who are in other states aren’t interested.
Now I know it’s not us. Thank you for helping us make sense of this!
Tiffany
Frank, this is spot on. Thanks for sharing your impressions. It’s leadership at it’s best.
Jeff
Frank I know I have the read the books. What is an organic church? How is it different from a house /home church?? I am out in the bushes here. Simplify the answer so this bush lady can understand.
That’s answered in “Reimagining Church” and here: https://www.frankviola.org/2010/10/12/house-church-vs-organic-church/ – I wrote that in 2010. Still represents my view.
Frank, I’ve just read Reimagining Church and it reflects my understanding which has developed over several years. I’ve also read your most recent e-mail reflecting your disappointment about the reluctance to change in the institutional church. My take on this is that only persecution will produce this change. In the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s in China most pastors were jailed or killed and church buildings were destroyed as well as bibles and Christian books. That caused the ‘laity’ to learn to learn to do for themselves what pastors had previously done for them. They had to meet secretly in small, often family, groups in secret. Now we see the reults of that in the burgeoning Chinese church.
I wish there were an easier way but I can’t see one.
Thanks Keith. Just to be clear, I have never been disappointed with the present situation. Ever since I stepped out of the organized religion system in 1988, I’ve learned that meeting under the headship of Christ will never be popular. And it never has been.
I don’t think I communicated disappointment in this post as I don’t feel that way. Disappointment comes out of expectation. I’m actually quite excited about the Insurgence, which continues to grow as a result of the Insurgence podcast and the book (http://Insurgence.org).
As you know from reading “Reimagining Church,” I don’t believe an institutional church can easily transform into an organic expression of the church *the way I’ve described in that book.” So I’ve never had that expectation.
Regarding the reports I’ve heard from many who have been to China, many of the groups there are led by pastors in the traditional meaning and role of the word (very often female pastors, but pastors nevertheless). They just meet in homes rather than buildings because they can’t build religious buildings.
I’m sure there are exceptions to this, but I’m often told that an “organic expression of the church” movement isn’t happening in China in a widespread way. Again, I’m using the term “organic” the way I describe in “Reimagining Church” — it means 1,001 different things today.
Frank, I really appreciate this post. I was beginning to question why we couldn’t find an organic type fellowship in the biggest city in Canada. We recently moved to a smaller city and were able to locate a small house fellowship that has some promise. Thus the learning curve continues.
I understand there was an article published about the four quadrants that Christians fall into, one of which was the “dones”. I would like to read this article. Do you know where/when it was published? Thanks!
Frank replies: The only article that sounds like that, but not identical to your description, is this one which breaks a certain demographic of Christians into 4 segments: https://www.frankviola.org/2012/01/18/evangelicalism2/
The only article that sounds like that, but not identical to your description, is this one which breaks a certain demographic of Christians into 4 segments: https://www.frankviola.org/2012/01/18/evangelicalism2/
Frank,
My wife and I are both 60 somethings and are exactly where you described in your article. I began to become discontent with the same old same old back in the late 90s. Not longer content with traditional church, we began seeking that something more, eventually finding two groups in neighboring towns. One a fellowship of like minded believers, and the other a prayer and worship center based along the lines of IHOP-KC. Well after months of dividing time between the two groups, we felt the Lord was telling us to “chose the herd” we would run with. We chose the prayer and worship center, eventually moving to that town.
After several years, the fellowship became a church, and petered out. The couple who had started it and with whom we are still friends were left wounded and holding the bag financially. Meanwhile the founder of the prayer and worship center felt called of God to move and left. We continued to meet for a while, but without his connections and charisma things eventually petered out.
My wife and I were ruined for traditional church, just the thought of going back into a hierarchical, pastorcentric (I know, I know it’s not a word,) corporate organization made us discontent. So we continued to seek God, and began meeting on Sundays with a family that had a shut in and were unable to attend church on a regular basis. Over time, we we built some new relationships, and maintained relations with others who had come out of the prayer and worship system. Occasionally my wife and I would invite various ministers we knew to come and share with the evolving group.
That brings us to today. We have a group of people loosely bound together in friendship and love. Many help at a community based outreach founded by one of the couples on a regular basis, others help support it financially. My wife and I continue to invite people to come and minister what is on their hearts on a regular basis, all either people we are in regular fellowship with, know and trust, or people seconded to us by them. We gather together for meals, or movies, or just to hang out on a regular basis, while keeping Jesus at the center. Well, trying anyway.
What’s next? To be honest, I have not a clue. Some look to us as pastors, and while we do recognize that as a gift in us, neither my wife nor I desire to be “the” pastors. We see giftings and callings in each person, along with a lot of love, maturity, and yes, woundedness. We see new people coming into the circle, we see bonds of love growing. I sense change coming, good change, What exactly, I have not yet discerned, but my wife and I are determined to allow God to build His Church, His way.
Thanks. Since 2011, I’ve received a countless number of testimonies from people who sound just like you. “I tried to find one, but can’t.” Yes, they do exist, but they are rare. Again, I’m speaking of organic expressions of the church *the way I’ve described in my books and audios.* House church/home groups are very common. But that’s not what I’m speaking about here.
Be encouraged. The four things I mentioned at the bottom of the article are encouraging, and God is active in them all. To wit, we can’t control the seasons of true revival and awakening. We can pray, but some folks try to force this and believe it’s happening when it’s not. (This is something that is very prevalent in one Christian movement for the last 100 years — to exaggerate reality. So honesty is integral here, I believe.)
I challenged someone recently saying, “If you can hold an organic church conference and get 300 people to attend in the USA, let me know.” That’s a small number by comparison to the big conferences in Christendom today which have 5,000 to 20,000 people attending. But today in 2016, that 300 would not be easy to pull off. Note that I’m speaking of a conference specifically on the organic expression of the church and nothing else.
The best bet is to join with what God is doing now, and pray for His fullness to enlarge as it concerns the ekklesia. To repeat what I said in the article, I await the day and am busy standing for His Eternal Purpose now, which manifests itself in many different ways. The 4 things I mentioned at the bottom of the post are related to His Eternal Purpose, in fact.
For those who are part of glorious expressions of the church right now — I know many of you personally — don’t grow weary, but continue to stand for the Lord and His testimony where you are. And not lose heart when things get rough.
Frank, I’ve been a fan, have read close to all your books which have led me to many other choice authors, theologians. I still believe in everything you’ve written on the subject. I totally agree 100 pecent in what you have shared in this post. It is truth, thank you for sharing it. It helps. One of the dones
Thanks for “getting it.” I hold to everything I’ve published since 2008 as well. The season of spiritual awakening regarding the restoration of God’s house was at high tide in 2008/2009/2010. It was also at high tide from 1968 to about 1977. Today it’s ebbed. But that’s how God has worked throughout history. “In seasons.” Same with revivals.
For some reason, this principle of God’s working is difficult for some believers to grasp, yet it’s all over the Bible and in the analogs of church history.
Frank, Check out the latest news from CA, meaning the AzusaNow meeting held there a couple weeks ago. Many believe this is the beginning of Revival in America. Blessings, Anne Grace
Thanks. Note that Christian people have been predicting a revival every year over the last 30 years. Interesting, many of them predict it will start in their city, even through “prophetic words.” Time will tell. 😉
Thank you, Frank. I have been out of what I call the institutional church for several years. Somehow, I would have times when I thought, “I am not pleasing to the Lord.” But when you said that if we have 1,2,3,or 4 persons of like faith that desire to get together around the Lord, they are blessed. Well, thank you. That set me freer than I have been in knowing I am in God’s will for my life. I am truly blessed with those 4 persons and maybe a few more who are a real blessing to my life will be added. They are those I can go to when I need to make sure I am hearing from the Lord in various areas.
Again, thank you for your boldness to speak out. We are all trying to reach the same threshold, to live and be a reflection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Be blessed my brother.
Frank, we came back to America in 2011 after living overseas for 15+ years, with a burning desire to be part of an organic expression of Christ; largely from reading a couple of your books. We had to settle somewhere, so we came to where an organic church was in process of being planted by Milt Rodriguez. What we have experienced here very closely matches what you wrote about in this article. It has caused us much pain & grief, yet also joy & growth in our Lord.
The organic group has long since disintegrated; but we have recently found 2 people with whom we are meeting and we have true fellowship & community with them. The 4 of us plan to be at the DCL Conference in July. Incidentally, we met them thru the DCL Network. Thanks for all your writings and teachings; we are on a journey and look forward to all that our Lord Jesus Christ brings to us. Sometimes the journey is as important as the ‘destination’; and we need to experience Jesus as being enough in our present situation before He will move us onward.
Thank you. I am a retired pastor. I would love to have an authentic Organic Church to fellowship with. But in my area that is not possible. At present I am involved with 3 or 4 people who share the same hunger I have for the Lord. Your article was encouraging. I agree we are between waves. For me I have sensed a drawing toward a deeper spiritual life. Watchman Nee’s book “The Spiritual Man” has been for me a light in the dark. I feel the next wave may well be “Be still and know that I am God”. I want to walk in the Spirit as did John, Paul, Isaiah and many others in God’s word. I want to be able to walk freely in and out of the presence of the Holy Spirit and know when He speaks and directs in my life. I believe God wants this for all believers. The problem is we haven’t yet learned how to listen and hear when He speaks. Watchman Nee gives tremendous incites into this realm. I want to “know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death.” You are an encouragement in my life.
Frank, I read this article twice and it was crystal clear. Unfortunately I noticed that some people totally misunderstood it. I think they just scanned it because I thought you were clear.
One person said this on his facebook wall, I concur.
“Wow. Frank’s observations in this “state of the union” of organic church are uncannily spot on. This explains so much of what we are all seeing and feeling out here. That we are at a low point in the presence of Revival is an encouragement to me that this is a trough between waves and we will soon be riding an awesome fresh wave of the Holy Spirit. I have to believe that wave will include elements of what is in the Father’s heart like bonafide Ekklesia, all-consuming focus on the Person and stunning beauty of Jesus Christ, and the revelation and adopting of His eternal purpose. This is our prayer and hearts cry. I am also feeling convicted about the need to sheathe my sword….actually, to turn it into a plowshare. Time to start plowing and planting, under the leading of the Spirit, for this next move. I agree. The current focus on the negative is alienating especially the young. The positive will speak volumes more than all of this negative. We won’t give up. We will keep seeking Jesus for Him to build the positive. He will. He said He would. “I will build My Ekklesia”!”
Thanks Jennifer. Yea, a few people have completely misunderstood the piece and read things into it. Regrettably, I don’t know how to resolve that except to ask people to read every word carefully. Hard to do in a day where people skim blogs and take away what they want. None of what I’ve written here is new to those who have been reading my updates and this blog since 2011. I’ve said it all many times before. Just look at my FAQ page. https://www.frankviola.org/faq – blessings!
I’ve been involved in planting organic churches also but over the last five years that desire has left me. Your article is spot on. Thanks for writing it. I found it very encouraging and affirming to my own experience and what I sense going on in my own heart.
Thanks for the big picture, Frank. Here in Australia seems the same: Christianity is mainly another religion, hearing the truth darkly but not seeing anything much of Christ’s body, the real church. After devouring all of your writings, I have found a great big resource in the on-line musings of Theodore Austin-Sparks. He should inspire us in persevering faithfully as seeds on stony ground, as he did for over 40 years. Also in keeping us growing by the process of less of us and more of the Spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ in us, each practical and real day we share. Meanwhile, I have a co-mentor and a group of three other men to meet with weekly on the journey. God is never frustrated, or in a hurry!
Frank, I really enjoy your thought provoking posts. I have been a pastor in house churches, organized facility based churches, etc, for 35 years. About six years ago, as I started to take on another “revitalization” project, the Lord asked me a question. “Would you rather be in the company of Jesus eating and drinking with sinners, or sitting at the the table with the money changers in the temple?” Since I needed a job, I went with the church. But now, I am “fasting” organized religion but I still love the body of Christ. Oh Lord, I do wonder what is next?
Thank you, Frank. Your books and this article gave me more understanding about how God moves in this century…thank you. GBU
Hi Frank. Speaking as a 60-something with a lifelong involvement in evangelical churches in New Zealand, let me say that your analysis of the places 20-40’s can be found, your comments on the frustrations of the 50+ age group looking for authentic faith community, and your 4 points on what is happening now are all spot on.
Occasionally, I read articles from the US that suggest places like NZ and Australia are experiencing some sort of breakthrough or revival. Totally not true. It’s ironically encouraging to have someone write honestly about what’s going on. Keep up the excellent work.
Thank you, Gus. Interestingly, there are people who say there’s a great revival in the USA. But there is not. Not according to what I mean by “revival” where hundreds of thousands of people come to the Lord in a short space, where it’s easy to lead people to Christ (because of the sweeping hunger), and the NATIONAL media cannot ignore it. That’s what happened in 1948-1952 and 1968-1972 in the USA. That’s what I mean by “revival.” 😉
Interesting, Frank. I’m curious why you track the change in season to 2011. Is it mainly because that is when you started to hear and see less interest from people you’re involved with (and hear from online)?
Ever since I left the institutional church in 1988, I’ve had my thumb on the pulse of what’s happening both within institutional Christianity and outside of it. That’s become easier to do with the Web, and after I wrote my ReChurch books in 2008 and 2009 (which combined have sold over 200,000 copies), Barna and I have received thousands of mail over the years, and I still get mail from people saying, “I can’t find anyone in my town who is interested in meeting around Jesus Christ as head.”
Included in those observations are my travels. So from my observation and experience, interest in meeting in face-to-face community under Christ outside of the religious system began ebbing strongly in 2011. Based on the scores of emails I’ve received from this post so far, the experience of many others confirms my observation, including leaders who were once involved in planting organic churches (whatever that means, since the term is meaningless now).
That said, I’m glad that the organic expressions of the church that I’ve related to are still meeting, and I’m excited about the 4 things that the Lord is doing right now. I’m also awaiting the day for another awakening.
I was waiting to read this article for weeks, and I have to say this is a huge let down. I was part of a real Christian community for many years, and I have friends that are truly doing organic church. Many of us were inspired by Pagan Christianity and Re-imagining Church. We found some need teaching and foundations for what we knew the church could be and what we saw in part. I still consistently find many people are not satisfied with the status quo longing for more but not seeing it. About 8 years ago Jesus spoke a simple word to me in regards to this topic, he said ‘Revolution’ and I still believe the church is longing for this. This article just felt to me like you said, “its too hard, God must be doing something else”. But if you really believe all you wrote, how community is all wrapped up his eternal purpose for the church, I am not sure how you can take this stance. I feel truly heart broken by this.
Matt, I think you may have skimmed the article or missed the point. My stance is the same as it was in 1988 when I left institutional Christianity. I’m speaking from the perspective of one who has been on the front lines of the restoration of God’s house for over 25 years, including the raising up of such communities. My stance hasn’t moved.
What I’ve tried to articulate in the article is that there is a lack of interest IN THE PRESENT SEASON … from 2011 until now (2016). That’s not my stance, it’s the reality of what’s happening. And it’s been confirmed by the hundreds of emails we’ve received from people in recent years. Many have found the article encouraging because they see that the lack of interest and inability to find others who wish to have body life is not their fault. It’s simply the result of this present hour.
But God is doing some interesting things right now (I listed 4 of them). So no need for discouragement. But if you want to see another wave of interest and awakening for the restoration of the ekklesia, may it move you to prayer. I trust this clarifies.
Thanks for responding Frank, I appreciate that. Over the past 8 years I have benefited greatly from your books and writings. You have been a huge source of encouragement to me and I am thankful for all that you do.
Frank,
Your assessment of the status of “Organic Church” is spot on. I’m priveledged to lead a network of seven house churches in and around Cleveland. We have been around since 2011. You are correct that there is little interest in community and the price it exacts. Crafting church life that blends the micro-community and the bells and whistles of the big assembly perhaps is more the order of the day.
Thanks Joe. I appreciate it.
Wow you describe my husband and my experience perfectly. We are 60ish and have been searching in vain for a Christ-centered organic type church where people actually love/serve one another and try to follow Jesus. Got our hopes up a couple times only to find ingrown groups of people who love to have Bible study, talk about what they know, but aren’t really interested in actually obeying God’s word.
God has given me an extreme amount of peace and patience lately and I am so grateful. I’m also feeling a call to pray for others to desire to see his eternal purpose fulfilled. What an exciting undertaking!!
Thank you for the update. Do I understand correctly that your mastermind group is comprised of Jesus-Followers?
MaryAnn
MaryAnn, here is the information about the mastermind groups: http://frankviola.net/masterminds
I couldn’t believe when I moved to Los Angeles 4 years ago that there wasn’t an organic church in one of the largest metropolitan areas in the US. But there isn’t. At all. I’m late 40’s so I’m verging on that doctrinally angry group, and I certainly struggle with that. I am at a larger church now where the pastor preaches some of the organic principles, some of the closest I’ve found to the community that you talk about in your books, but where very few of the congregants take an interest in changing and where he’s given up in some instances pushing the issue.
Anyway, love your books and hope to still be around when the next season/wave hits. Cause I crave the organic community you talk about.
Thanks for sharing what you’re seeing. It’s definitely disappointing to hear that what is going on in my local community is happening nation-wide. We attempted to start a local organic church a few years ago in our community and it dwindled just about as fast as it grew (when people realized that it wasn’t just a leader going to teach and instruct them but we had to be dependent on Christ and Holy Spirit to speak to each one of us.)
Oh, and serving each other was a big deal too. Amazing how Christians just want to come in, get their fill (of food and/or teaching) and jet out the door. What do you mean we’re supposed to help clean up? 🙂
But, like you said, I am expectant and hopeful to for God’s Spirit to begin another “awakening” to the things He desires and to the centrality of Christ above all things in His people.
So Frank, this is like the time between Episode VI and Episode VII of Star Wars. A time for beign “in the shadows” (from the perspective of Luke Skywalker). Perhaps waiting, apparently just dying, doing nothing, but expecting a new time of the move of God…
Miguel, be encouraged. I spoke about 4 things the Lord is doing now. All of them are exciting as far as I’m concerned. There are organic expressions of the church that exist today, but they are rare. To those who are part of them, don’t lose heart. Keep standing for the Lord and His testimony. To the rest, consider getting involved in one of the mastermind groups. http://frankviola.net/masterminds
Hi Frank,
I have read most if not all of your books and love to read your posts. Unfortunately I fall into the one of the categories you described. I left the organized church several years ago, searching for something real. I even tried to have organic church in my home with a few friends who seemed to be like minded. Unfortunately it didn’t turn out quite like I had hoped. I spent more time running around cleaning up messes their kids were making than I did anything else. It became more exhausting than it was worth, so I gave up. I started going to a zumba class and the instructor was so energetic and bubbly and seemed to really care about people, she was always doing something for someone, so I checked out her church. My son, who is 16 and had quit “church” when I did, fell in love with the youth group, so I stayed. He was getting no socialization other than high school, so I thought it was best. I still go, and he still loves to go, but it’s not what I would like. It’s 40 minutes from where I live and it’s just too much to try to go four and five times a week to try to do more than just go sit in church on Sunday morning and Wednesday night. I still feel like I’m just going, saying hello, listening to someone preach and saying goodbye until next time. That’s not what I believe church is about. I sure wish there were people around here who really wanted to BE church instead of just wanting to GO to church. Thanks for being an encouragement to those of us who still haven’t found what we’re looking for. 🙂
Oh my gosh, you just described us to a T! We’ve given up trying to find like minded people in our little town. So we’ve been parked at a building church for the past 7 Sundays. We’ve been enjoying hearing some sermons about God’s work in Abraham, but other than that it’s not anything like what we read in our Bibles.
We’ve been going to a “Bible talk” on Tuesday nights, and only 4-5 people consistently show up to talk about God. Go figure!
God knoweth.
Yes, you are right about it being hard to find a Christ-centered community. I live in Thailand now and am from America, I would be interested in that here, but have found little interest. But I do meet with 1 or 2 or 4 regularly and that is a blessing.
I am praying for some way people can link up in different countries, but have not found that way yet. I was born again at 22, so I know what you are talking about with the youth. Anyway, keep up the good work.
Dear Frank,
Your ministry has blessed me with a deeper understanding of the Indwelling Life of Christ within….after reading from Eternity to Here it opened new thoughts from Genesis to Revelation for me. I love my Lord Jesus, my Saviour and my Friend. Immediately, I sat down and reread your book, then went out and bought three more copies to give away. Each person who received your book was blessed as I was blessed.
I have redone the Indwelling Life of Christ course twice now….each time loving my Lord Jesus more and longing to know and love Him with all my heart. Nothing in this world compares to what we have in Christ, and I long that others know and love Him deeply too. Thank you for your deep spiritual insights and for your ministry. Your ministry has given me a fresh look at my Lord Jesus and His love for His church and from the bottom of my heart I thank you.
Hi Frank,
Really enjoy your books and I’m currently going through the Indwelling Life of Christ Course with my local church group. One question on the article though,
I understand why you don’t want to lift people’s hopes artificially so turning down the filmmakers makes sense, but why are you not personally involved in an “organic” church right now? If one is available, I’d think you desire that fellowship and community.
Thanks Frank!
That’s simple to answer. I relocated a few years ago and such a church doesn’t exist where I now live. (Remember, I said such churches are exotically rare in our time. So most cities are void of them.) The Lord has not led me to plant one in this season. We must be faithful in the season we are in. I’m very active with mastermind groups right now and the other things I mentioned. So I’m in regular fellowship with God’s people.
That makes sense. Thanks for listing leaders in this area in your post! I’ve been blessed by Milt Rodriguez and Jon Zens and found both as a result of reading your books.