It's a bit like . . . .

How would you describe church to someone who knew nothing of church? You inevitably start with 'its a bit like . . .'. But what is church like? In the first century, Wayne Meeks (First Urban Christians) suggests it's a bit like an extended household, it's a bit like a jewish synagogue, it's a bit like a voluntary association or club, it's a bit like a school of philosophy. All those phrase would have meant something to a first century person. In the end church isn't any of those - it's more! However, 'it's a bit like' gave a point of contact to encourage new people to join in.

When the word church has negative connotations for almost everyone outside it, perhaps we need to rethink 'it's a bit like . . .' for the 21st century.

So what is church 'a bit like'? A rock concert? (I wish!!) A pub or cafe?

I met a lady called Deidre in San Francisco a few years ago, she used to belong to a reading circle but didn't enjoy it because the members were so bitchy. A friend invited her to a 'reading circle' where they only read one book. She attended and found out that the people in the group loved one another and shared their lives in a deep way. Through their love she became a Christian. They called it a cell group, but it was a bit like a reading circle and contact was made!

What could your church be 'a bit like'?