What comes to mind when someone mentions the word "church"? For most of us a church is a building where you go to worship or serve God. Most people go to church to get the answers that they need to deal with their personal problems. Participating in church related activities has always given me a sense of closeness to other believers and refreshing in the Lord. I am the first to admit that a good sermon can provide the perspective needed to overcome the adversity we face in life. I have lead praise and worship, served as a deacon, taught Sunday school, and performed in several church plays. However, I have a confession to make... I am tired of what we call church.

Before I get to far along in this article I need to make it clear that I am not recommending a mass exodus from traditional "churches". God has called us to unity and the last thing that I want to do is add to the damage that has already been done. However, I am disturbed by the common misconception that "going" to or serving in what we call church is the greatest expression of Christian duty.

I am tired because I can’t take another worship service that ends with the impression that I wont be able to experience the presence of God

until I show up for the next service.

I am frustrated with how we make people feel like second-class citizens

because they are not a member of the elite class of "ordained" ministers who serve in modern day "temples".

I am tired of hearing statistics that communicate that the average church size in America is less than 100 people when the reality is that there is only one church, headed by one King that numbers in the multimillions.

I am tired of contributing more than 10% of my income every year without a say in how those funds will be distributed.

I am dumfounded by those who believe that they have legal jurisdiction over the sacramentsas if God Himself gave them an everlasting patent on those rites.

I am tired of hearing the answers to my problems without receiving the additional training needed to be a part of the solution to the world’s problem.

When are we going to realize that people want genuine relationships with individual members of our community more than they want a turkey dinner or a backpack for school? How long will we allow our pastors to preach to us year after year while we sooth our conscience with the idea God is satisfied because we showed up, sang a song, and placed some money in the offering plate? I am sick of watching people experience spiritual starvation while we glory in becoming spiritually obese.

Church is not a building, a Christian social club, or a registered non-profit corporation. It is a worldwide community of people who have committed their lives to sharing the love of Jesus Christ everyday! I have spent the last 25 years "going" to church and I am tired of the routine. I long for something so much more. I want every member the body of Christ to know that they have the power to make a difference. I want them to find the courage to take action.I want us to BE the Church...