How do we, "be the church?"

I have a very close friend whose dad is on a ventilator and diagnosed with lew gehrig's disease. Unfortunately, his dad has been confined to his bed and couch and only gets up to use the bathroom. Only once, since he has been home from the hospital (in late Feb. I believe) has he been outside of his house. His wife is with him almost ever hour of the day, she has become a virtuous woman if I've ever knew one. They are believers and love Jesus very much.

Now the question, how are these folks exposed to participate in a church service as we know it today? Some might say, "Well, the wife should go to the church and hear what the Revered had to say and then go home and share it with the husband." Or others may advise the wife and say, "Even though your husband has been incapable of going you should at least participate in church service, that's the least you could do." And of course some would say, "You need not to forsake the assembling of the brethren."

How amazing it is to me, that so many are stuck in tradition of "going to church". The theme in Scripture is not go to church, but rather, be the church.

Is it not true, does the spirit of God dwell in you? Is it true that where the spirit of God is, there is liberty? Doesn’t Christ say, "where two or more are gathered in my name, "That is Church" or I am in their midst, whatever way you prefer.

So, my friend and I had a great idea. Rather than having his parents feel the guilt that church tradition places on you for not "going to church", we were thinking of some way to bring the church to them. And that is what we have done, twice so far.

For the past two weeks we have, with a few others, gathered in the living room of my friends parents house and the most amazing thing has happened each time, we had church. Not just a "bible" study or a worship time, no, we had church in the most real, organic form that I have ever seen it. Intimate, vulnerable, transparent, humbling, and Christ centered. A church with almost no structure or leadership, a church that brought tears along with comfort, a church that was real and authentic, genuine and full of quality. There was open conversation, dialogue, and fellowship that was real and tangible. There was not a senior pastor or worship leader, no tithe offering or ushers at the door. There was no reason to be in a hurry or watch checking, just waiting for the sermon to end. And even in the midst of this church there was the noise of a ventilator and a brother that was napping on the floor. We were actually being the church rather than doing it. And it was sweet.

Now we know that God works in many ways and the local church has its place in God's plan. But my joy is that when Christ leads us into a place of obscurity and unfamiliarity He always gives us the efficient grace that is needed. He gives vision in the place of sorrow and turmoil. And in the situation of my friends’ dad, He gives us the miracle of being the church, even in a living room, even if it is "the ventilator church."