Rethinking “Church”: Models of Belonging
1 Corinthians 1: 1-10

Rev, Steve Bogard, guest preaching

When people find out l am a pastor, they often immediately respond with a comment about how often they do or do not 'go to church.' So, the notion of 'going to church' has become people's primary understanding of what it means to be 'religious or to be a ‘Christian’. Also, there is an assumption that people know what ‘church' is, or what the word means.

I believe all of this is worth examining. So, on Sunday, I will ask us to 'rethink' what we mean by church as a means of exploring how our Christian faith can be relevant in our modern society.

As we prepare for Sunday, you might ponder the following questions:

• What comes to mind when you hear the word "church"? What memories, emotions, and thoughts arise?

• If you were to describe FCC Concord to a neighbor, how might you do so, without using the word "church"?

• What do you think is the primary purpose of church? How is this accomplished?

• How does God interact with the 'church'? Is it unique? Does God care whether you go to church or not?

• How might you respond to someone who says: "I don't go to church, I experience God in nature?"

Based on 1 Corinthians 1:1-10 

 Music this week:

• Remind Me Who I Am

• Build My Life

• Who Is My Mother, Who is My Brother?

• Give Thanks

• Get Together

• Come, Share the Lord