There's a well-known saying: 'If you ever find a perfect
church, don't join it – you’ll spoil it!' As a theology student in the 1990’s I
had a pretty good idea of what my ideal church would be like in terms of
architecture, membership, worship-style, leadership, Bible teaching. The
trouble was, I couldn't find it anywhere. All the churches I tried seemed
flawed in one way or another. At some churches, where the worship was
wonderful, the teaching seemed shallow. At others, the welcome was warm but the
building or style of worship uninspiring. In the end, I gave up 'floating' and
plumped for the first local church I had visited. I'd realised that churches
are only as good as the people who attend – and if we want church to improve we
have to get stuck in and make it
better…
In fact the New Testament word for ‘church’ does not
describe a building – or an institution – at all: ‘ekklesia’ means a gathered people. And, where there are people, we necessarily do
not find perfection! However, with a bit of effort and commitment to that group,
we may discover a real sense of community and belonging as we journey together
as disciples (followers) of Jesus. A year and a half after launching our Messy Church congregation, I’m realising
afresh that all church life is messy – but the shared experience can be
wonderful! Over the past six months, members and friends of Bovingdon Baptist
Church have met for worship, food, art & craft, prayer, picnics, films,
Bible study, table tennis – and a weekend in a country house which combined all
of the above!
If you live in the village and are looking for the perfect
church, please don’t look here! However, if you’re happy to muck in and get
messy in the midst of church family life, come along to any Sunday service and
you will be made most welcome.