"Being" versus "Doing"

As a church we are going through a bible study series called "Inside Out." One of the first studies focused on the difference between "doing church" and "being church." The obvious correlation to the theme, is "doing church" is what typically happens within the walls of the church (i.e. attending programs/meetings) and "being church is what happens on the outside of the walls (e.g. building relationships with unchurched and/or "least of these"). While I agree with the premise, I find it somewhat limited. First of all, I think we should "be the church" to those in the church. This can and should happen within the walls of the church. What happens when those "unchurched" start "doing church" and they find Christians who won't "be the church" in the church? For that matter, what about those long-time faithful who are hurting and seem to fall through the cracks because we are so busy doing church?

Here are a few more insights pondered as a result of the study:

1. When we talk about "being church" the focus seems to be primarily on others "out there" and we tend to forget that we need to be the church to our spouses and children before or as we are being the church to "them."

2. We discussed "barriers" that prevent the church or Christianity from palatability in much of society. There is a wonderful trend in evangelical Christian literature and teaching that is emphasizing the relationship style of evangelism versus the "hit and run" confrontation style that was so popular through the 70's, 80's, and early 90's. This trend also emphasizes the need to be salt and light in the world and the power of love over condemnation. I think of the ancient words of the Psalmist that Chris Tomlin integrated in to one of his songs, "It's your kindness, Lord, that leads us to repentance." This trend will remove much of the barriers history has given us.

I need to spend more time "being" (i.e. moving out the way and allowing Christ to emanate through me) as salt and light.

Random

Just a couple random thoughts I had on the drive into work today.

1. I started an experiment to see how much slowing down on the highway would truly save on gas. Driving to work for me means about 18 miles, 15 of which are highway with very little traffic (i.e. no "stop-start" rush hours)and about 6 intersections off the highway at least 3 of which I have timed out to catch the green light. Prior to the experiment I was filling up with gas once a week - occasionally once every 8 days. Last Tuesday (8 days ago) I filled up after work. I have slowed my highway driving to 60 MPH from 70-73 MPH. Today I am still above the "half tank" (barely).

2. Dry cleaners who wish to save money yet still maintain a semblance of organization could e-mail claim slips to customers. Saves on paper and ink costs and provides the consumer with at least the idea that they will keep the order straight. I thought first about texting slips, but realized that would probably require development of new software and expensive computer upgrades. Surely there is a cost-effective, streamline way to e-mail them.