A wide-format image featuring a historic red-brick church with a sign that reads 'Neutral Zone' in front of it. The church is surrounded by a diverse group of people engaged in conversation, symbolizing community and openness.

The Irony of Life, Change, and the Church

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by

Courtney Crosslin: Intuitive Lifestyle and Business Strategist
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What if the work that pastors, preachers, and spiritual leaders have been doing all along is actually leading people out of the building — back to themselves — the people/community — the church? …Maybe back into the yard to do “The Work?”

— “5 Things The Church Needs to Stop Doing (That Are Not In the Bible)” Via CareyNieuwhof.com
— “If women cannot be deacons, we should stop ordaining men deacons” Via National Catholic Reporter
— “Jesus Never Told Us To Fill Church Buildings” ChurchLeaders.com
— “​​Remember, the Bible Never Mentions a Building Called ‘Church’” Via RelevantMagazine.com
— “​​There Is No Such Thing As A Perfect Church” Via StaciJRoss

Whether we’re talking about “doing the Lord’s work” in a Christian context or “doing the spiritual work” in another belief system, the essence is the same. It’s about guiding people to self-reflection, to find their own paths, and to connect more deeply with their purpose. 

What if the decline in church attendance isn’t a failure, but rather a sign that the job is done? 

What if people are now taking the teachings they’ve received and living them out in the world, no longer needing the physical structure of the church to continue their journey?

So, back to my earlier point—why are churches, which aren’t just buildings but communities of people, given exemptions from ADA laws, and why is it so difficult for them to get insurance? 

A wide-format image symbolizing the transformation of a church from a physical building into a vibrant community. The image depicts an old church building gradually blending into a large, flourishing tree with deep, expansive roots. The roots are intertwined with people, representing a community growing from the church’s foundation. The tree’s branches spread widely, creating a canopy that shelters a diverse group of people engaging in various activities. The dominant greenery conveys growth, transformation, and the living, breathing nature of community.

The irony here is thick, and it forces me to ask: 

If the church isn’t the building, why are these structures given exemptions? 

And if we’re filled with faith, why do we need insurance?

“Churches Don’t Have to Be Accessible. That’s Bad News for Voters.
In 2024, millions of Americans will vote at ADA-exempt religious sites. What if you’re disabled?”

MotherJones.com

As we navigate these questions and the changes unfolding in our world, I invite you to reflect with me. What does the crumbling and rebuilding of our society look like? And how do we, as individuals and communities, contribute to that process?

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