http://whchurch.org/sermons-media/sermon/keeping-christmas
Watch one of the sermons from Woodland Hills here.
I've been so dry for the past, say 5 years. I could list a variety of reasons and excuses, but the point is that I am/was dry. As a result, or maybe perhaps as a correlation, I've also been extremely cynical, self-righteous, and simply empty. I've been living out of fear and insecurities.
Thankfully, I didn't crash and burn. And also due to the wonderful and inspirational people in my life, I managed by--still with life and hope. I mean, it's not so black and white where everything failed and when ka-put (or however you spell it). However, I knew and know that there has to be a proactive approach to this. I knew I had to start running with a full tank, not with a half-tank or less than half. Doing things half-way takes its toll and has made me feel what I described above.
I suppose while you're a full time college student, you have a lot of time to manage and schedule "me-time." You articulate precious time to be all about yourself, time for homework, with friends/family. But once you're in the real world, all you want to do is come home and hit the sack. A 9-5 job really does its toll. This has really been a part of my reality in the past five years.
Up until a few months ago, I realized I really needed to make a change for myself. I had been thinking about it for years. This change was finding a solid place to get fed. To invest in. To feel supported. To pour into and to receive. This was a group and community that doesn't have it together, but we can walk through it together. This was a place that I felt had similar values to share, or at least the similar intentions in validating and listening to one another.
After years, I finally took the step toward finding this place, and surprisingly it was not that far away: Woodland Hills. I had always heard about it, including it's "controversial" pastor, Greg Boyd. I was a drop out that went to Northwestern College (now University of Northwestern--Saint Paul)--where he and his teachings are basically banned. Funny how things work...
To make things brief and simple, I have never, ever felt more alive in a long time. The first time I stepped into the church, I had tears streaming down my face. It was difficult to hold back my Pentecostal ways of outward displays of worship. And we weren't even "worshipping." I was just listening to people speak. They were ending a heart and mind series, and the service included a round-table discussion with Pastor Greg Boyd and a couple of other professionals. For the first time in forever, I heard my views get validated--racial reconciliation, gay marriage/the GLBT community, women's issues, and so much more. It was such a breath of fresh air! The Pastor was addressing issues in such a humble, yet Bible-based, and intellectually sound way. These three words never end up together when it comes to church.
I thought I had it really good with just this service. However, the church continued to also focus on one's personal relationship with God through their "Before Christ" series. This brought it home, reminding of my heart's true joy in Christ by focusing on his mission and reason to coming to earth. It was such a beautiful series that helps everyone focus on our loving Savior. How he looks at us with no judgement but love. How we are made new in Him.
When I thought it was already wonderful, they came with a series on women. Mind blown. I have never, ever been/seen a church or para-church that focused on women. This was breaking news to me. And it's sad because not many organizations and churches make an effort to focus on women. I heard a woman lead service for the first time. (I've seen women lead seminars and be guest speakers at conferences--but a church service has never been done for me.) This is powerful in so many ways because it truly affirms God's craftsmanship in making humankind in his likeness. Not only do men have authority to preach God's word, but so do women--we are all made in his likeness and contribute to his kingdom. We as women have a role and voice, and make direct impact on the Kingdom. Goodness, this series was so amazing. I truly loved it. (Thanks WH!)
Right now, the church has begun a new series called "Mixed Signals." It is addressing pluralism in our world. What voice do we listen to? I just heard the first sermon today, and already I can tell that this is not going to just be an easy church to go to. I believe everyone in the room was humbled when Pastor Greg gently instructed all of us to not be religious buttheads. I thought (by default) that he will tell us how to be good at apologetics and teach us to defend our faith or something. No. He taught us: listen. He taught us: Stay focused on the cross. It's as simple as that. I was truly humbled and will not deny that I haven't been a butthead. I have a lot of logs in my eyes and have pointed out the fleck in others'. Instead of coming to this church to just simply get filled, I have been able to re-evaluate myself and get my character readjusted before I even begin to fill a broken cup. I've truly been humbled, and because of how the Holy Spirit has been working through this church, I have been coming to Christ humbly, asking for him to help me and start again.
I don't care what church you go to. Or how controversial things can get. All I know is that I feel like I have finally come home to a church that makes a case to point people to Christ and the cross every Sunday. And I'm for real people, they talk about Christ every Sunday. They talk about his love. They talk about everyone needing Christ (the prostitute, the millionaire, the city, the suburbs, the Hispanic, the Arabic, the patriot, the anti-American, everyone). They tie in current issues. They challenge you. They make things practical. They validate all sorts of people. It's not a perfect church by any means. But goodness, I feel like I can finally breathe and keep my gas tank full.
I came to this church thinking I needed to be filled. Instead, I realized I needed to understand that I needed to be humble and let God do everything. He needs to readjust my attitude and my character. It's not just a simple drive and park at the gas station. I have been reevaluating my mind, my engine. Adjusting my heart here and there. And I feel that I have been better able to receive and process the fuel that is going in. Thank you Woodland Hills and Pastor Greg. Thank you for not just feeding me milk, but challenging me. Thank you for validating me. Thank you for making space for me. Thank you for giving me a home. Thank you for pointing me to my best friend.
