This morning we began a series called Churchy. I was a little nervous about today for several reasons?

1. We talked about how any local church can be good, bad or ugly. I wanted people to not misunderstand what I was trying to say.
2. I was feeling a little under the weather. If you
hear it online, don't worry, I was not in a bucket.
3. I like to get my sermons about halfway memorized so that I'm not glued to my notes. But this week I took some time-off with my family. I didn't feel like my sermon was quite as polished as I would have liked.

But God did some amazing things today, in spite of me, and I'm completely blown away. I hope that you will soon be able to hear about some of the cool stories that began to unfold (that you didn't get to hear Sunday), but until then, please join me in giving thanks and praying for some changed lives.

I would like to take some guesses at what it was that connected with people. I think some possibilities include:
-Dave & Kathy did a "duologue" (yes, that's a monologue for 2 people). I heard some people say that they really identified with that.
-We called ugly church stuff what it is - ugly. I think some people needed to hear that voiced.
-We apologized for times that we may have caused hurt. We acknowledged that the church is imperfect and doesn't always get it right. "Sorry" is a pretty powerful word that can lead to forgiveness and healing.
-Lastly, I hope and pray that people were encouraged about what the church can be. We can be good. We can be what God intended. We can give people a glimpse of God by loving others (I John 4;12).

Next week we'll tackle a plethora of "church" myths, and counter those with Biblical metaphors. I can't wait.