Church Outside of Church

Months ago, I was threatened that if I was ever to call the Monday night coffee shop group "church" then some action will need to be taken. I was completely shocked that one said that to me. It just shows me how the enemy is at work.

There is no need for me to turn this group into a church, non-profit organization, or even a business.  I will not file for a 501(C)3 with the Monday night group seeing that I do not take up tithes. Actually, I refuse to take in tithes. We have no incoming revenue however there are expenses. Money is invested in people by purchasing Bibles, coffees, deserts, and even dinners.

Over the past year, I have learned that "church" is not a building. It is the body of Christ. On Mondays nights, a few of us reckless followers of Christ have decided to take a risk by investing in those that do not believe and/or who are unchurched. We have chosen to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ outside of the typical Sunday morning thing and outside of the four walls of a church.

Running church outside of church has been a trip. Taking the Gospel to the coffee shop has been interesting but God has surely been at work. We have seen decisions made for Christ. We have had those that are spiritually confused have their questions answered. We have seen people crack open the Bible for their first time. We have helped some talk with God for their very first time. And lately, more and more are starting to purchase their own Bibles. I love it! There is nothing better than seeing those that rarely cracked open the Bible take it upon themselves to purchase one. I crack up when I see them get so excited when they bring their brand new Bible to the group.

I love it. But please know that I am not anti church inside of church. There are times when we are called to have church outside of church to reach different people groups.  You should try it sometime!