The true Church is made up of all who have made the decision, the choice, to die to self and follow Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, most members of the true Church are buried in the rut and routine of Sunday church attendance, behavior management, and loose community. This is not the life we, the true Church, is called to.
I am currently reading a book by Hugh Halter (BiVo - A Modern-Day Guide For Bi-Vocational Saints, ©2013, published by Missio Publishing). Hugh describes church that is incarnational (God with us) and missional. This combines three key elements that bring the church to life.
First, the church is community. Small groups of tightly knit, like-minded disciples. This community serves each other, works with each other, helps each other, and lives life together. The second component is communal. This is the more traditional component we are familiar with. The communal component involve corporate worship, prayer, teaching, and breaking bread. The final component is mission. This is the church in action, together, bringing hope, love, and joy.
Church lived in this manner inspires transformation. It is simple. We are not called to sit in church every Sunday, as consumers, listening to the teaching of a single leader or teacher. Rather, we are called to live life together, in action, to bring the Good News to those God has placed in our lives.
Don't be satisfied with being a Christian consumer. Encounter the real Jesus and step into a life the impacts the world you live in. Make a difference and help those around you discover the Goo News of Jesus Christ!