The Presence Based Church
Are we, as a church, a presence-based church, or are we more focused on what we need to do or can get from God?
A famous chapter in the bible teaches about two sisters, Mary and Martha. Even though they shared the same desire to meet Jesus and receive him into their home, their hearts and plans were very different. Martha was busy and weary, trying to make everything perfect for Jesus’ visit. Meanwhile, Mary preferred to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to His teachings.
“Martha, Martha you are so worried and upset about many things, Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42)
Today, there are many different model’s churches can utilize to lead their congregations. These examples include structures that allow them to set a specific vision, deliver messages, and set principles to form small groups and connect people. But, the Presence-Based Church is not on that list, because any church can choose to be filled with His presence. No matter what their foundation looks like or what denomination they may follow, any church can be in the presence of God.
Why is the Presence of God Important?
The presence of God makes everything about a church work better. Regardless of the size of the church or its denomination, change and growth will happen if God is the focus. If a church is not focused on God, then what are they focused on? Just like Martha, many people have dedicated themselves to the “work” of the church, rather than sitting at the feet of Jesus. God has become secondary and is no longer the priority.
Dr. Terry Teykl, the author of the book The Presence-Based Church, says “being culturally relevant in a melting pot society that encompasses many generations is a complicated task,” which is the case for some churches in the 21st century. The “Martha church” has based its direction on what the consumer says they need to make them happy. Is it possible to be so busy that we do church without God?
The Presence-Based Church
The Presence-Based Church book was written with the heart of creating awareness of where we are as a modern church. Moreover, this narrative also serves a purpose to motivate the body of Christ to step into the fullness of who God is and all that He has for us, which cannot be taken away from us, just as Mary exemplified.
Life can become busy and loud, but we always have a choice. We can either choose to stay busy, or we can simply sit at the feet of Jesus and listen like Mary so effortlessly did. When we stop worrying about our to-do lists, the future, and anything else we cannot control, and we begin to desire to sit beside the Prince of Peace himself, He will bring us into His overwhelming peaceful presence.
If you would like more information on how to encounter the presence of God, check out our companion workbook to the Presence-Based Church.
