I’ve stopped going to church.  I’ve mulled over the decision for years and tried to contemplate all the ramifications and nuances of my choice.  Critical mass was reached and there is no turning back.  I’m done!

Don’t misunderstand; I’m still meeting with believers on Sunday and other days, but it’s not church and I won’t call it that.  It might be a gathering, a meeting, a fellowship, a swarm or a gaggle, but it is not church.

I’m the church; so is every follower of Jesus.  The old Greek word we translate “church” took on a new meaning when Paul got done writing about the followers of Jesus.  He elevated it to describe all those who lived in union with the Son of God through the agency of the Holy Spirit.  When he was done, its old meaning of political and  community group activity was transformed.  It now described the Lord’s Body, His Bride, those who were His and shared His life and death.

Words have meanings; and without a common understanding, we cannot communicate.  Words can also change meaning over time.  I just used the example of how the New Testament changed the old Greek word “ecclesia”.  Some have even purposefully redefined words in order to bring about social change.  I’m reminded of that each Christmas when I sing about donning gay apparel.

Over the years the meaning of the word “church” has morphed into something not supported by scripture.  I am a part of His church 24/7, at home, at work, at play and even meeting with other believers.  God doesn’t live in a building, and I don’t need an appointment to meet with Him.  We, God and I, live together.  He is as close as my skin and breath; and beyond that, we will be together when skin and breath are gone.

Protestant Christianity has become so enamored with numbers, crowds and programs that more energy is given to meetings than to everyday living.  The morphing of the word can and does lead people to believe that attending a meeting is the same as a relationship with Jesus.  The Bible teaches us that the Lord lives within, that our hearts are His dwelling place, that our bodies are His temple.

Meetings are still important, and we are warned against abandoning gathering with other believers.  However, what goes on when we meet and what we think about that meeting needs to be brought under the authority of scripture.

Christianity is not a meeting!