Now that's Church!

I was invited to speak at a small celebration event in Essex recently. It was organised by rural folk for people primarily from rural churches and people from about 5 or 6 churches were present. I had been asked to say something to encourage and inspire them in rural mission. It was to be be Bible based.

Anyone reading this blog who is not familiar with rural churches might not realise that they are often small congregations seeking to witness to their local communities but often feeling that they are burdened with maintaining ancient buildings and ecclesiastical structures. Often there is a sense of just surviving!

The celebration started at 4.00pm on a Sunday. Worship was led with a guitar and a keyboard and the songs were contemporary. These were interspersed with extempore praise and prayer. One of the local church leaders felt moved to give an exhortation within this time as well. Then I spoke and prayed. We sang one more song and then had the opportunity to enjoy informal fellowship while eating a two course meal (Shepherds Pie or Potato Cheese Bake with beans or peas) which we ate standing up. This was followed by cheese cakes or gateaux, tea or coffee.

As I drove away afterward I felt that I had just experienced church as God intends it to be. In the space of two hours we had worshipped, prayed, listened to God's word, and shared a fellowship meal together. It was good company and felt just the kind of event Jesus would have been at home at. Actually, I think he was!