Today, many Christians (and non-believers) have a perfunctory command of the Word of God and a propensity to become vocal aficionados of Christ’s Church. In my 44 years of attending and, on occasion, pastoring Christian churches, I too can count myself among its critics. Having tasted the wine served both at the beginning and at the end of feasts, I can say with confidence that the variety of expressions of Christ’s body today, far exceed Jesus’s intended format (The Word). Many churches in the Christian community today suffer from “pedigree collapse.” This means that they have been rendered defective from inbreeding, isolation, or worldly influence. Unfortunately, there are a plethora of misrepresentative churches of which I am going to enumerate, only three.
1. Too many (not all) “cell-sized churches” (10 to 30) have tunnel vision, stay under- developed and are self-serving. They resemble a Barroom mentality (us and them), they are skeptical of strangers, inbred, closely governed, and seldom grow. They usually wither and die or turn into private clubs.
2. ”Early Adolescent churches” never mature and struggle in search of an identity. They are transitional, sometimes not accepting their divine gender, thus, misrepresenting Christ’s real identity to the world. They’re often defiant and recalcitrant to wise counsel, oftentimes, assuming an Identity characterized by eccentric, charismatic behaviors for the purpose of attracting attention. Gaining notoriety, even national attention due to their eccentricity rather than their authenticity. You’ll find them fun to visit but difficult to stay.
3. Then there’s the “Old complacent church”, no longer seeking an identity other than the one they assimilated decades before. No longer willing to grow, they can generally be identified by the absence of youth, the next generation. These churches are dry, near death and hobble along on life support. Eventually dying as the older congregants pass.
The Cross church is unlike any of these under or over-developed mutations. The Cross church of Mount Dora is a Word-based Church. She is an exciting rendition of what Christ envisioned and expected of His Ecclesia. The Cross church is still in its youthful stages, diligently preparing for her upcoming nuptials.
She is mature but not fully grown. She knows who she is and excited about who she will become. She engenders an environment which provides a Goldy Lox Effect for growth and spiritual prosperity.
The Cross owns a culture of curiosity and hopeful expectation. She’s a place to learn, live, and lead; a place you can call Home. A home where anyone who’s part of her family would be proud to invite someone over for dinner. She’s led by seasoned, Spirit-filled, gifted Pastors, offering opportunities for all members to learn, labor, live, love, and lead.
One of the things I love the most about her is how candid and expectant she is concerning what God has to teach her next. The Cross welcomes Godly change and embraces diversity, believes in discipleship, and the mandate of Matt. 28: 19, 20. The Coss is the real deal. This Christian Church is a place you’ll want to stay. I am so glad I found her.
She’s not just another Christian Church, she’s . . . JUST WHAT WE NEED!
