I got an invitation today, as a pastor of a church, for our church to participate in “The Church Has Left the Building.” On a Sunday this Fall, rather than have worship, we would all meet and then spread out in the community and do good works. What?? Two things…

1) Doesn’t the church do this every week? Isn’t this what we’re supposed to do every week after worship?

2) In my community there are lots of folks who are doing lots of helpful things all the time. I think the more radical thing, the more distinctive thing, and maybe the more helpful thing would be for a community of people to give up one hour of the week to praise God and pray for the world. Because if the church skips worship and leaves the building, who’s doing that?