I have to say I really like the “marketing” at the church we’ve been involved with the past few months.

The first Sunday I went there, the pastor, Ryan, a tatooed, bearded guy a few years younger than me, invited essentially everyone to come enjoy Communion at the Lord’s table. Talk about the inclusive nature of Christ. Ryan extended the invite to the skeptical, conflicted, doubting, wounded, tired, bored, under-aged, four-legged (there is a dog that comes every week) whatever, Jesus just says Come! This stands in sharp contrast to the “if-your-heart’s-not-right-and-you’re-not-part-of-the-club-don’t-even-think-about-it!” message I’ve heard so many times from churches. (Who has completely pure motives anyway? No one would ever be able to receive Communion if that is the criteria.) Anyway…

This openness reminds me of some of Jesus banquet parables, too. The gospel is not about “where we are” in our spiritual alignment, but it’s about where God is–and He’s everywhere–inviting everyone.  I enjoy taking communion every week this way.

CofTB, this expression of God’s local church (small c) has its flaws, sure(–it’s full of people, including me, after all!) but so far it’s been a really honest, active, creative, and welcoming place. I’m excited to see how God uses it (and us through it) in the days and months ahead…