Church sign of the week 5

Church....
Does it matter which one you stay away from?

One of the biggest excuses I, and I'm sure most ministers, hear is that, "I don't need to go to church to be a Christian."

Well, technically that is true, in the same way you can be a footballer but never join a team. You can practise all the skills, kick the ball against a wall all day, learn the basics from a book or DVD but until you actually play with team mates then you're not really a footballer.

Church is no different - there are a few, who by necessity, practise Christianity alone. Terry Waite jumps to mind during his long captivity as a hostage, but for most people Christianity is a shared act and part of that sharing means taking part in worship - and that usually happens in, that's right, a church.

Just as in footy training you learn the skills and meet your team mates and build a bond, so church develops our skills, introduces us to our team mates and builds stronger bonds.

Now not every church suits everyone. Some people like loud drums and guitars, others like silence and contemplation. Some want tradition, others radical, modern worship. You only know when you try, until you find one that suits you.

But our sign is right - it doesn't matter which church you stay away from. It'll do you no good. If you claim to be a Christian then going to church should be a natural part of what you do.

So go to church, you might surprise yourself and like it!