There are sometimes awkward moments in unprogrammed, participatory church (also known as organic church or simple church).  People sometimes say things and/or do things that are outside of my comfort zone. 

On a recent Sunday morning at The Salvation Army Berry Street Worship Center in Nashville, I was feeling somewhat uncomfortable with what someone was sharing.  I was wondering, “Lord, should I cut this off?”  Then these words came to my mind:  “I am working through things that it doesn’t seem like I am working through.”

How true.  Why should I think that God only works through situations that make me comfortable?  In fact, when I’m completely comfortable, I’m probably farthest from God.  I seem to get closer to Him in awkward moments. 

So, if we want God to work in our midst, we need to give God the freedom to rock us, shake us, disturb us, ruffle our feathers, startle us, and stretch us a bit.  Otherwise we are in danger of “having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.” 

Perhaps we should set aside some of our Sunday structure and let the wind of the Holy Spirit blow where it will,  whether it makes us comfy or not.  Perhaps we should take the limits off of God and let Him have His way in church, not our way.

It takes courage to gather together and approach an unbound, wide open God.  There is no predictability in such a church meeting.  But there is power.  There is transformation.  There is throbbing spiritual life. 

Are you ready to encounter God on the loose?  Visit us on Sundays at 10:45am at 225 Berry Street, Nashville, 37207.  Or click here for more information.