Ever go to a bowling alley and see the guy with his own shoes, ball, ball bag, and even a little towel to wipe the ball?  Or what about the dart guy who gently takes his little hand-crafted darts from a leather case to hurtle them at a board.  And I know we all know a guy who has spent more on a pool cue then some people spend on a car.  Ever see that guy and nudge your friend and say, “Look at that guy”  and that’s all you say?  The unfinished sentence is, “Look at that guy – he takes this WAY too seriously and needs to get a life.”

I am ashamed to say I have had a “look at that guy” experience all too often while attending various religious services.  That guy (or girl) who is raising her hands, screaming the lyrics at the top of her lungs while her mouth is pointed squarely at the ceiling.  Yea, “that guy.”  I have even labeled them “hand raisers.”   They use words like “fellowship” “laying on of hands” and refer to anyone they are talking to as “brother” or “sister.”  Yea, that guy.  I do not know their hearts and I know many (if not most of them) are sincere in their relationship with Jesus and serve Him on a daily basis.  But, a part of me has this, “what’s he hiding?” attitude when I look at them.   Yes, I judge.  I am human.

Well, today Jim and I attended a new church.  One that we had heard was a “different” kind of church.  I got the impression it was one of these “mega churches” that was outgrowing it’s facilities and just adding members in leaps and bounds.  Last time we had heard that we were looking for a church in our new home town and landed smack dab in the middle of a whirlwind of life changing, soul saving, seeker focused church that not only grew in number but also made US grow in our faith and relationship with Christ.  Since we have moved from that area, we have been trying very hard to find it again.  We have attended around 4 other churches trying to get that same FIRE that we found at our home church in Washington.

When we pulled up to this “mega church” (remember it was just an impression I got) we were confused because it was in a strip mall….and not a very big strip mall at that.  I felt disappointment flood me as I was sure this was not the right one or that maybe I had misunderstood what this church was like.  But, we went in anyway.  We had driven almost an hour so where else are we going to go?  As we are checking our children in to the children’s area I look around the one room area I can’t help but be hopeful that maybe, just maybe, this is the church for us….it definetly looks different.  One big room serves as the fellowship area (yea, I said fellowship – big whoop.  Wanna fight about it?) as well as the sactuary where services happen.  The two are only seperated by one large, red velvet curtain.  As service time approaches the curtain lowers to create two rooms.

After we get the kids settled we plant ourselves into our customary back left corner closest to the doors.  Because when you are trying out new churches you need to be able to duck and run in the event they bring out snakes…just sayin’.  Got to be prepared for everything.  One man is on the stage.  Young.  Jeans, T-shirt.  Guitar.  He starts playing “Desire” by U2 but he’s using some sort of foot petals to loop sounds together so that by the end of the song, even though it is just this one guy in jeans with a guitar it sounds like a whole band!  I’m getting excited that this may just be the different kind of church we are looking for but I’m also thinking, “Um…I”m not a prude and I love this song but…um…isn’t this church?  Where’s the Tomlin?”  Next song is more customary but man did they rock out!  Made me feel at home again and was hoping to see some tattoos on the men on the sage.  I smiled a little smile as I thought of the most unlikely, lovable and crazy worship leader I’ve ever met back at our home church, Joe Howard.

A few more worship songs and I was beginning to really feel comfortable.  Then up on one of the big screens was Skyped in a phone call from somewhere in the Middle East (I will not say from where as the church has asked us not to for security reasons).  The church has missionaries whom they fund over in this area to spread the gospel.  A place where just to say the word “Christ” can get to turned in by your own family.  Your father not only CAN kill you for worshiping Christ, but he will be seen as a hero for doing so.  And here, on this screen was 5 Americans and one, obviously Middle Eastern man.  This man, through impossible odds somehow came across a New Testament in his language. Read it and said, “This is what I’ve been looking for.”  And began to secretly worship the One Living God.  These missionaries are helping set up schools in this area.  They have found a way for this man to find other people in his native country with whom he can worship.

The pastor said during first service, as they were talking with the missionaries via Skype, he began listening to the guidance of the Holy Spirit he decided to NOT give his planned sermon.  He wanted to do an EXTENDED worship service.  This is so this one man, who risks his life every day as a Christian, can have what we all take for granted.  A day of worship. Where he can hear music and worship his God.  This man had NEVER had this and this “different” kind of church allowed this to happen for this man.  All through the wonderful invention called the internet.

Not one page of scripture was read.  Not one “sermon” was given.  But the flooding of Holy Spirit that filled that room today was something I was not prepared for.  Tears began to run down my cheeks as I began to realize just what this man on this screen was willing to do to be a Christian.  I praised Him for allowing me to live in a country where I can do this FREELY.  I am a filthy rotten sinner, yet he died on the cross for me anyway?  Wow.  I praised Him like I have not praised Him in FAR too long.  I prayed with all my heart that the country from which this man was from would open it’s hearts and minds and see that Jesus Christ is the One Living God.  I found myself wanting to jump up and down; wanting to raise my hands towards Him, point my head to the sky and thank Him.

I wanted to be “That guy.”