I have heard it said quite often from Christians (and some others), “I am not into church” or “I don’t do church well” or “I’m okay Jesus, but not church.” In fact as a church planter I think I hear it more than a lot of people. I want to say that for some people (as I understand their stories), I can buy that statement. But I am beginning to think we let way too many people get off the hook with that pat answer.

You see I think what people really mean is that they really don’t want to be a part of a real messy community because of how it affects them (the negative ways of course). It is far easier to be alone, or with the people you like and who affirm you, then to put yourself in that awkward place of connecting with people you don’t necessarily know as well, who actually talk about their problems, and may actually ask you if you are doing okay. Heaven forbid that someone inquire with how I am doing. That’s personal!

Perhaps that is more of the peculiar ways we live as Christians. (I appreciate some thoughts my friend Nick posted here from Bruxy Cavey). You see we get together to not simply cause its what we do, but instead to learn from each other, to challenge each other, and celebrate how Jesus actually lives and works in our lives to lead us toward being a community of people for the whole world. It takes humility to be willing to learn from each other, and effort to teach and challenge each other. But what a great place to grow as a human.

Tonight Cato put an amazing communion/ reflective service together that really inspired me. But you know what…It was awkward, I had to do some self awareness checks, and I had to work out some of these ideas with others… But I really wouldn’t have it any other way….

There are some interesting things I am realizing about my neighbourhood. People move here to be socially active and to have more “community.” Problem is, when they move here and realize that being socially active takes time, and that true community takes effort, they end up not getting involved and realizing their closest relationship consists of the barista they order their coffee from before they go and sit on their laptop and check facebook. This burdens me.

I want the open house to be a church that sees needs in the neighbourhood and engages them and puts time into their efforts and gives resources to help them bring hope. I never want to be too busy.

I want the open house to be a church that understands that there are a lot of people who desire real community; community that is messy, yet supportive and hopeful. I never want to stop asking big questions, and being asked the big questions.

There is a lot more that I have learned about real community from being a part of the open house, but today this stays with me. You may not connect with institutions and church services, but if we really asked ourselves, we need connection with real people, asking real questions, experiencing real community.