What is church?

What is your definition of "church"? Have you ever stopped to contemplate that?

According to my experience growing up in the church, I would have described church as the place I went Sunday mornings at 9:30 am. Though there was some variation in the service, it was generally a welcome, about 3 songs, offering, Scripture reading, a sermon, another song, sharing of announcements and prayer requests, prayer, and a closing song. This was followed by the Sunday School hour (which in reality was often only 45 minutes). By 11:45 (at the latest) we were usually finished with church. We knew what to expect on any given Sunday. 

But, does that mean that this is the only way that church happens? Does church have to look like we've always experienced it?

 Do we need…

…an outlined order of service or

…a big cross on the wall or

…nicely dressed people or

…a polished worship team or

…a thought-provoking speaker or

…(fill in the blank)…

I don't think so. Before you shout, "heretic!" let me explain my thoughts. 

We often equate “church” with a “building.” Is that even a correct assumption? Not according to the Bible. The Bible uses the term “early church” to describe the people, not the building.

And, what’s the point of church anyway? Isn’t it to commune with God and others?

For a while, I have been wrestling with how I see “church.” I don’t think that it is limited to a certain building. Or a certain time of week. Or even a specific type of service. I don’t think we need to have PowerPoint or podiums or sound systems. I don’t even think we need to dress in a particular way to attend.

What if church was something a bit more informal, a bit more authentic, a bit more real? What if when we talk about being the church, we actually were the church? We’d be involved in each other’s lives, not on a once-a-week-when-we-show-up-at-the-same-building type of way, but in an intentional, I-really-am-invested-in-you kind of way. Wouldn’t you feel like you could be real and authentic with people then? Wouldn’t that increase the depth and importance of those relationships for you?

Could meeting friends at a coffee shop and praying together be considered “church”? Could it happen in one’s home? Or what about in a (gulp) pub? I think so.

This summer, our WMI (World Mission Institute, the 4 week training that I did in June) group was asked to read Alan Hirsch’s book, The Forgotten Ways: Reactivating the Missional Church. This book resonated with a lot of things God has been revealing to me over the past two years.

See, I’ve come to the place where I really value authenticity in relationships. I want people to see the “real” me. I want to be open with people, sharing about the good and the bad, proving that I don’t have all the answers or that I don’t always have it together (can you believe it?! J). But the thing is, I want it to be both ways…I want the vulnerability and the authenticity to be on both sides.

To me, that’s what the church is about…and somehow, what it seems to have lost somewhere along the way.

Hirsch’s book calls it “Communitas.” It’s being an intentional part of a group. Of living life with people in a way that shows you care and that you value them. Of walking with others through the good and the bad. Of working together to accomplish a goal or vision.

In my opinion, that’s what church should look like. What are your thoughts? 

For your viewing pleasure...

I thought it was about time to put some pictures up of Prague (especially for those of you who don't have Facebook). Enjoy a glimpse into my world! 

View of the Charles Bridge from across the river

Emily reading some of the locks on the "Love Wall" where couples buy locks and place them there as a symbol that their relationship will last forever. 

From the Lennon Wall - very cool wall that is covered in graffiti. 

The view up the street from the guesthouse where I'm currently staying. It's quite a steep walk up hill to the tram stop. 

Em and I at the Prague Castle (we were being tourists for the day!) :)

View of the Prague Castle 

Ready for my first day of Czech Language Class. 

Church in the Czech Republic

A week ago, I attended my second church service in the Czech Republic (the first time was in 2010 when I was here for a week). I was surprised to find that, though in a completely different language, with completely different people, it felt like home.

I can just hear the reactions…everything from “Wow, that’s great!” to “Huh? What do you mean? How’s it like home?” Let me try and explain.

A while ago, I started writing about church and the things that have been churning within me regarding the institution that I’ve always known it to be. That reflection is coming soon (I’m still tweaking it).

Nevertheless, a few of the characteristics that I find necessary in church include a focus on God (UP), a focus on each other (IN) and a focus on those beyond our group (OUT). This concept isn’t new, but it has helped to realign my thoughts on how I think we, as the church, should be functioning.

Now, what does that have to do with the church in the Czech Republic? Well, the church that I’ve been assigned to is a Czech Brethren church in Prague 13 (Prague is divided up into different sections, with each section having their own number). Prague 13 is a church plant from another Prague sector. They just moved in to their new facility 3 weeks ago. You can look at the denomination’s website here: http://cb.cz/main/cs/home (yes, there is an English tab).

[Side note: You may be wondering about my use of the phrase, “assigned to.” When forming my assignment, I was told by the Czech Brethren leaders that they would place me in the church where they thought my gifts best fit with one of their churches. When I met with David Novák, pastor of the Prague 13 church and the contact for my assignment, the other week he did give me the option of looking elsewhere, but after hearing about Prague 13, I thought it sounded like a good fit for me.]

So how does this church in Prague 13 remind me of my church in Lancaster? For one thing, they are very focused on the three characteristics that I mentioned above (UP, IN, and OUT). They are focused on God, each other, and their community of Prague 13. This group is intentional about creating a safe place for people to come as they are and hear about Jesus. Their worship is heartfelt. They genuinely care about each other and like to spend time together. And, that’s just what I noticed in the first week (and from my conversation with David). It’s such a relief (and an answer to prayer!) to find a place like this already. Thank you, God, for providing a new church family “in this age“(see my post from February about my reflection on Mark 10).

Now, I just need to learn Czech so I can fully understand what’s going on… J

Has it really been a week?!

Apparently, time flies when in the Czech Republic, just like it does in the US. :)

I've been here a week already. So much has happened in that one week...and yet, to some people, it would seem like I've not done much of anything. Here's a glimpse into what the first week has held...

1. I am officially a student at the Charles University (at their Institute for Language and Preparatory Studies). After 2 hours of filling out papers and standing in the "queue," I received my official student card. Tomorrow morning, I have orientation and then classes start on Wednesday morning.

2. I registered at the Foreign Police. What could have been a long process actually only took a half hour or so. I'll have to revisit this place in a few short weeks when I change housing, but it's a good start.

3. I applied for my Open Card, which is my public transportation card for Prague (allowing me to use any form of public transport for the year). It comes in two weeks.

4. I set up a Czech bank account (not a Czech "Czeching" account, mind you). :)

5. I purchased my mobile phone and a two year contract (gulp). Funny thing - it's more high-tech than my phone ever was in the States...though I'm sure I'm still way behind everyone else in that realm.

6. I finally saw the Prague Castle!! Our group somehow missed that last year...

And, the part that I've enjoyed the most...I've been meeting a lot of people. Many of them are connections through Emily. Others, I've met at church. Speaking of church, I think that's going to be a separate blog entry...on Thursday night, I went to Youth Group with Emily and met a number of young adults. It was a lot of fun sitting with them in McDonald's afterward (yes, that's one of the 'cool' places to hang out...), simply starting to get to know them. Two of them also go to the same church that I attended on Sunday. Another one works for the Language Center, so I was able to see her today when I registered for my classes. It's so fun to know/recognize people already!

I'm excited about all the relationships that lie ahead...in my language class, at the church, in the community where I live, and everywhere in between. I'm not naive enough to think that these relationships will come quickly or even easily, but I do believe that they will come in time.

The adventure begins...

After about 13 hours of travel, I have arrived in my new home.

Thankfully, I didn't have any troubles or complications throughout my travels. I was a little nervous (or maybe a lot nervous, it depends on who you talk to!) at the Detroit airport because of my two large bags, plus two carry-ons. According to the Lufthansa website, it looked like I would only be able to take one carry-on instead of the normal two. But, the ticket agent was very gracious (or maybe God was just being merciful!) and told me the two carry-ons would be fine. And, she only charged me the rate for a second bag, even though I am positive that my first bag was WAY over the 50lb limit (try 70lb at least). I was so excited I could have screamed. :)

Yesterday around 1:00pm (Prague local time), I stepped off the plane and proceeded to baggage claim to gather my two large bags. After what felt like an eternity, they rounded the bend of the conveyor belt. Oh, happy day; all of my luggage arrived! :) I exited the baggage claim area to be greeted by my dear friend and teammate, Emily, who was waiting with a big smile on her face. What a joy to finally see her again!

It's been good to be back here in this land. I'm still processing what all that means and looks like, but I know that I am where I'm supposed to be for this season of life. God has granted me favor and I'm going to continue walking in that confidence. Why I ever doubted during the long wait for a visa, I don't know. But I'm here now, and hope to continue trusting in His leading along the way.

Thanks to each one of you who have been praying for me along the way...for the visa to come through, for funds to come in, for the transition and the good-bye process and for many other reasons. I appreciate it. I have felt supported by those prayers, so thank you. And thanks especially for praying for my family as I left. They are great and incredibly supportive, but I have glimpsed how hard this is for them. So, please continue to lift up those dear, dear people in my life. Thanks!

Leavin' on a jet plane!

Just a little excited! :)

It's here!!! As of Monday, I am the proud owner of a 6 month student visa for the Czech Republic. Here's the proof. :) 

Thanks to all of you who have been praying with and for me to receive my visa. I greatly appreciate it! I would welcome your continued prayers as I pack, say good-byes to family and friends, and arrive in the CZ. I'll have a week to get settled before classes start on the 12th. You could be praying for the gift of tongues in order to speak the Czech language too. :)