No Church on the Sabbath?

Derrick Shields
​Director of LIVE Ministries

We are fast approaching May 4, a Sunday on which we will live out the declaration, “The Church Has Left the Building.” This somewhat radical initiative was born out of our ABOUND theme, with the goal of sending community groups, families and individuals out into our city to bless others because we have been so richly blessed.

But no church service on a Sunday? Really? Come on, I know I am not the only one who has asked this question! On one hand, it’s not like we never miss a Sunday at church. (And not always for a good reason, either.) On the other hand, I have never been a part of a church that intentionally planned to not gather for worship on a Sunday morning. I must admit the whole idea is exciting and at the same time challenging to me. Don’t get me wrong, I am all for it. But I have come to realize that the “traditionalist” in me has been confronted. 

Let’s see what Jesus had to say about all of this:

Then he went back in the meeting place where he found a man with a crippled hand. The Pharisees had their eyes on Jesus to see if he would heal him, hoping to catch him in a Sabbath infraction. He said to the man with the crippled hand, “Stand here where we can see you.”Then he spoke to the people: “What kind of action suits the Sabbath best? Doing good or doing evil? Helping people or leaving them helpless?” No one said a word. He looked them in the eye, one after another, angry now, furious at their hard-nosed religion. He said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” He held it out—it was as good as new! The Pharisees got out as fast as they could, sputtering about how they would join forces with Herod’s followers and ruin him. (Mark 3: 1-6, The Message)

Doing good or doing evil? Helping people or leaving them helpless? Obviously the right answer is doing good and helping people. These are actions suited for the Sabbath. These are the actions that I pray that hundreds of people who call Christ Community Church home will be engaged in on Sunday, May 4, 2014. Doing good and helping people all around this city. 

I’m looking forward to gathering afterward for our annual church picnic and hearing the stories of what happened on this day. Who knows, we may even have some newfound friends with us that evening. Aren’t you excited?  

Oh, and about the Sabbath – isn’t that a Saturday rather than a Sunday? Good question … for another day.

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