U2 or the Beatles?

If you don’t know who the Beatles or U2 are, you might be above a certain age that I wouldn’t dare name. That’s OK, you only need to know that they’re both wildly successful rock bands.

The bands had extremely different styles for song writing. With the Beatles the songs were written by one individual and then taught to the band. Usually it was John Lennon or Paul McCartney. With U2, every member of the band collaborated to create the “sound” for the song. Both bands were critically and commercially successful.

Some churches are like the Beatles, some are like U2 in this regard. Some churches are run from the top down – pastor and deacons/elders make the decisions and the church goes forward. Some churches are more collaborative in decisions and direction. Both models work for different reasons in different places.

Paul is addressing a troubled church in his letter to the Corinthians. In the second half of chapter 12 Paul reminds the church of their unity in Christ, despite the differences that exist among them. And whether they’re going to be top-down or collegial, they’re going to have to work together.

The same is true for churches today. We have no choice but to pull in the same direction with all our talents and passions. The work is too important, and the unity of the church is too valuable. The means that we Christians need to belong – really belong – to our churches. How? ·

- By fully investing in our church, not simply attending it. ·
- Acting as co-creators of community, not just consumers. ·
- Embracing our diversity, not disparaging our differences.

If you're in the Metro DC area this weekend I hope you'll join me at First Baptist Church Gaithersburg for worship at 10:30. If not, I hope you'll attend the church of your choosing and invest yourself anew. You need your church and your church needs you!

All you need is love where the streets have no name,

Pastor Gary