Institutional eyes only seem to recognize Christianity when its institutionalized, but Jesus is working 24/7/365. Although religion is highly institutionalized, the living Jesus Christ isn’t.

The OT prophets, the Apostles, the Reformers, and even Jesus, called people beyond institutional religion. A relationship with the risen Jesus can’t be institutionalized. It’s the most intimate relationship of all and happens in the heart.

Contemporary Christian culture seems to have an abundance of information that is distributed thru religious institutions. Still, there seems to be a famine of Christ’s wonder-working power.

A community is based on love, spontaneous interaction, and heart connection. An institution on hierarchy, rules, and protocol. If organization is high and participation is low, passivity sets in. If people are allowed to participate, they become passionate.