In the book of Hebrews, believers are exhorted to not ‘forsake the assembling of yourselves’. I started this series in an attempt to promote understanding between lifelong churchgoers and ‘de-churched’ people like me. If nothing else, the main point I’ve been trying to make is that this has nothing to do with rebellion or some desire to buck the system. This is about faith.
The world has truly become a scary place as of late. Fear, paranoia, rage, bitterness, and hatred is quickly becoming the norm. In such times we need a sanctuary. A place of peace, where we can go to be restored, strengthened, and encouraged. We need a place of safety amongst our brothers and sisters.
When Church Was Illegal
Many seem to forget that when Jesus’ disciples first began meeting, it had nothing to do with denominations or liturgy. During ancient Roman times, believing in Jesus could cost you your life. It would be centuries before you could openly claim faith in Jesus without fear of death. When believers at that time gathered together, they didn’t meet to discuss budget plans or attendance numbers. They lived in a time that was not unlike our own. There was fear, anger, hatred, and paranoia then too. Early believers needed a sanctuary.
When we really dig down and see what the church was meant for, what it was supposed to be, then we understand why it is so sad to see what it has become. Being united in our common faith is more important now than it has ever been. Politics and petty doctrinal disputes have rent our community in pieces. We call building ‘sanctuaries’ today, yet far too often they are the furthest thing from a place of safety. Too much abuse and corruption is tolerated. Rather than acknowledge the issue, modern-day churches prefer to simply sweep the mess under the proverbial rug. We have created all sorts if micro-communities within the church banner. There are ethnic churches (be it black, white or asian), denominations for every theological flavor, and ‘traditional’ and ‘non-traditional’ churches, and there’s even a cowboy church. Really think about this and you will see why this is terrible.
A Refuge From The Storms
I’m not going to sugarcoat the issue, the world has become more dangerous and unstable than ever before. I hear all the pundits and TV hosts wax poetical about peace, unity and equality and yet we are more divided than ever before. I am pleading with the church and all believers to not take part in adding to the strife and division infecting our world. We live in an age of social media, and yet, loneliness is at an all-time high. Imagine that.
I mentioned earlier how a sanctuary should be a place of safety for believers. Safety from the persecution of the world, safety from the trials and temptations constantly thrown at us. I now ask a simple question; how many of our churches today are truly sanctuaries? A while back, there was a sort of Jerry Maguire-esque mission statement that was thrown around: ‘churches should be a hospital for sinners, not a hotel for the saints’. Catchy, but about as substantial as froth in a latte. If churches are to return to the roots of being a sanctuary, then it must absolutely be a place of safety and strength for believers. Where we can draw strength from praising God, sharing the Word, and supporting each other.
At the same time, there should be a place of healing for those who need it. For those seeking the truth, then they too need a sanctuary. A place to seek and search without fear or condemnation.
A Sanctuary Is Not A Building
My use of the word sanctuary and not ‘building’ has been deliberate. In the days of early Christianity, believers didn’t exactly place a long-term lease on a Roman villa or what have you. Believers met wherever they could. The point wasn’t to meet in a specific building; wherever the believers gathered became a sanctuary. If we can grasp this incredible truth, then it could radically change our entire concept of church.
In a world filled with terrorism, racism, hatred and division, where friends and families are being pitted against each other, do we understand the importance of a sanctuary? Far more than merely being a place to escape, the church could be a place of strength and healing. A place to restore our souls, renew our strength. I’ve spent several posts discussing various reasons why I don’t go to church. Understand that I have no desire to be rebellious towards my brothers and sisters in Christ. Like most, I’m simply seeking a sanctuary.
