The Perfect Church

Let’s describe the perfect church (not necessarily in the eyes of Scripture), but if we had our say. Feel free to add other descriptions that come to mind.

- No one ever takes your seat.
- When the offering plate is passed, you take from it instead of putting in.
- Everyone thinks your preferred style of worship is the best.
- The church service doesn’t start until you arrive.
- Everyone wants to do church the way you like it.
- The pastor gives short, funny, meaningful, but-not-too-convicting sermons.
- Rice krispy treats are offered between and during every service.
- You always get to talk with the people you like.
- Your spouse gets the kids ready for church.
- Visitors fund the budget.
- The church focuses all of its energy and resources on meeting your needs.
- All of the other kids are nice to your kids.
- You are encouraged, affirmed, respected, always agreed with, and never challenged.
- You get what you want and give what you want.
- We skip confession and sin and talk only about grace.
- Love is what God gives – what you receive – and never the “tough” kind.
- Everyone thinks you are wise, good-looking, funny, and worthy of great respect (and of course are in awe of your children).

There is no perfect church. We worship a perfect God. But when sinful people get their hands on things, the imperfections become apparent. The truth about church is more like . .

- We are creatures of habit. There are NOT assigned seats.
- God calls us to give (not to fund budgets) but in response to what we’ve received.
- Worship is to bring glory to God NOT to sing the songs we like in the style we like.
- The church service starts when advertised. But being the church never stops.
- Church is continuing the ministry Christ began. Our preferences are natural but only helpful as they further the ministry of Christ.
- The pastor is seeking to serve God first. But the pastor must communicate God’s Word in a way people can understand.
- Rice krispy treats are by far the best – oops, I’m getting into MY preferences.
- We need to open ourselves up to new relationships and welcome visitors.
- It never works well when I spend time expecting my spouse to serve me.
- Meeting budget is not the ultimate goal. Giving as God desires and staying on mission are.
- The church is called to discipleship – to helping you see and follow Jesus. The church is called to meet your needs but these often get confused with wants. Sometimes what we need is not necessarily what we want.