I’ve been struck with how we see our gatherings together. Perhaps even more so now that we have endured restrictions of gathering and interacting.
For quite some time we have been satisfied to just say that we are present. We showed up. Most of us have reevaluated that social interaction – which came down to no interaction necessary. Thus we have abandoned social groups, churches and clubs – not necessary.
Those who are the mingling type have a bit different take on restrictions to gathering. They are eager to enter back into full on, face-to-face excitement. Theirs is not a matter of abandonment but rather embracing.
Let me take this one step further.
Churches are experiencing an attendance slowdown. Perhaps we need to reevaluate how we see church gatherings. For years we have said God is present. Is that enough? When we gather do we just want a God who is present?
Or, are we open to stating, as we begin our gathering time, that God is mingling amongst us. We’ll talk about God and sing about God – affirming his presence. But we will also want to hear stories about what God is saying and doing while he is mingling amongst us.
Might make for a lot more impactful gathering.