Yes, I Still Love The Church

Despite the pain I have experienced in the Church, I just can’t help myself. I still love Her. I love Her because She is the Bride of Christ.  The Church is more than brick and mortar buildings and more than just institutionalized religion and Sunday morning gatherings. The Church is Jesus-minded individuals. And, some of the best people I know are the Church.

I love the Church that says to the marginalized and the oppressed, “You are welcomed here. You are home.”

I love the Church that is not intimidated by the doubters, the questioners, and the ones who don’t have it all together.

I love the Church that is as quick to provide for those in need as they are to simply pray for Divine provision.

I love the Church that denounces shame and fear and speaks over and into each other with love... only love.

I love the Church that doesn’t need long lists of rules because they realize the freedom they have in Christ.

I love the Church that values truthfulness, respect, empathy and understanding… even when they thoroughly and completely disagree with each other.

This is the Church, she may be unorthodox and a bit messy, but she is BEAUTIFUL. And, I love Her.

-Ashley Easter