Change the Story.

(Originally published on September 23, 2008)

“Change the story.” This has become a favorite phrase of mine lately.

I think we all see things in our lives, in our communities, in our country, in our world, that aren’t as they should be. We can respond by ignoring it, complaining about it, or doing something about it.

Missio Dei Church is here to change the story.

I’m often asked about why we’re starting a new church. After all, the last thing Mokena needs is another church. But look at the story. The view of those outside the Church is not so peachy. Instead of being known for love, we’re generally known as judgmental, self-righteous hypocrites. Something’s not right.

That’s one of the many reasons why we’ve started a new church, (Reason #1 is God’s calling). I could gripe and complain about the state of the Church (and I have). But the best way to criticize isn’t by bashing the Church, it’s by changing the story.

Can we be known for love? Can we be an authentic community of grace, truth, mission, and meaning? Can we be a church that says, “we’ll love you as is” and help each other live the life we’re meant to live? Can we be big on Jesus and big on people? Can we change the way people think about church?

I think so. I often say church isn’t a building, an event, or a big show. Church is a people. Recovering hypocrites discovering authenticity. Imperfect people, like you and me, who are exploring and following the perfect Savior/King/Jesus. Let’s not pretend we are more or less than we really are and let’s not forget that God is more loving and great than we can imagine.

Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)

Let’s change the story.

Let’s be known for love.

Love someone today.

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