The 24/7 Church

The conversation that takes place more than any other, regarding The Open Door, is on the topic of how our church operates. It has been interesting to be a part of our evolution as a church body. We planted the church without a building and without any intention to acquire a building. Keep in mind that we are the church, and the building simply provides the convenience of a place to meet with the comforts that a building can provide.

Central buildings can actually become a hindrance to the 24/7 church. People tend to encapsulate their church experience within the confines of the building. As a result, we tend to think of church as something we go to. In reality, church is something we are. It is amazing to witness the transformation that takes place when we begin living as “The Church,” as opposed to making time for church activities.

Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."

This is it! It cannot get any simpler. Anytime you are in discussion with another individual, proclaiming the name of Jesus, you are “doing church.” Our objective is found in being aware of opportunities to share our testimony, share a biblical truth, or provide confirmation for someone.

Our formal weekly gatherings take place in various homes. The life we live during the week is the heart of our participation as church members. We think of ourselves as family. Family relationships don’t require a place or a time to be valid.

Our mobile food bank is one example of a church outreach that does not require a building to be considered a legitimate church activity.

Question:
Why is this so important during this time in our history?

Answer:
We are clearly living in a time of unprecedented change. The church is under attack. An increasing number of people would like to see any and all church activities silenced. The Bible promises that we will encounter persecution. There is no question about the devastating persecution that has taken place in many third world countries. Today we are witnessing a worldwide assault on the Christian church.

Those who quote the Bible are being accused of “hate speech.” Churches are singled out as being intolerant. Freedom of speech is being redefined as the privilege of anyone who agrees with enemies of the church. Those who publicly invoke the name of Jesus are considered to be religious nut cases. Sadly, we are approaching a day when the church may, by necessity, have to go underground. Church gatherings will, more commonly, take place in homes as opposed to public buildings.

The Open Door has provided a platform for greater understanding of what it is to live as the church. We continue to evolve and expand our operational base without the expense and responsibility of maintaining a building. Our resources are primarily directed toward those in need as opposed to maintaining the image that is established with a building.

Buildings help to establish a public image and tend to set the tone for what an individual might expect from the church. When you remove the building, the public image will be determined by the effectiveness of those who carry the message. We are the church. We, as the church, represent the central message of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the living 24/7 truth. We are not limited to an outward image based on where we meet. We are liberated to be the 24/7 church for the world around us to experience.

Let me be clear on this one point. I do not condemn the traditional church that so many of us grew up in. God has done great and mighty works through church as we have come to know it. I believe that God is taking us back to basics. God is moving and preparing us for a new battle. We cannot become complacent and expect someone else to be the church while we limit our church experience to our weekly gatherings. Yes, the church as we know it is still relevant!

We have been blessed to live in a time when we will see an unprecedented move of God. The church today requires much more than we can accomplish with our current resources. We can no longer rely on our ability to build extra classrooms and larger sanctuaries in order to accommodate the needs of those who will come to know the Lord. It is time to think outside of the box.

Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

When we seek God, we need not limit ourselves in when, where, and how we will find Him. Seek God in your heart and He will find you were you are.
God Bless,
Skip McNutt