Isn't She Beautiful?

At the request of a friend I'm going to try posting more often than I have been. So here's a fresh post. I hope you enjoy.

Earlier this week I was in Grandville, MI. Grandville is near Grand Rapids which is near... well I'm not sure where, but it's a 30 minute flight from Chicago. A nice short flight (if only all flights could be that short). I was in Grandville for a conference at Mars Hill Bible Church called "Isn't She Beautiful?”

I enjoyed my time at the conference and met some wicked cool people from all over the place, Vancouver, B.C. to Rochester, NY. And I also met some people who called Grandville home and in particular they called Mars Hill home; they too were wicked cool people (wicked cool is one of my new favorite sayings sorry). All in all I enjoyed all the folks I met. Meeting people from all over who were passionate about following Jesus was probably one of the most enjoyable parts of the trip. I always deeply enjoy the opportunities that I get to spend time with those that are part of The Church from other places in the world. It always seems to enrich my understanding of what it means to follow Jesus and to be a part of The Church.

Speaking of The Church, that's what the conference was about. "Isn't She Beautiful?" is a question the main speaker, Rob Bell, asked about The Church. Now I should probably explain what I mean by The Church lest you confuse me with... well someone on TBN or at least someone who watches TBN. When I say The Church I mean The Body of Christ, The Communion of Saints, or in more common terms The Church = those who follow Jesus and who want to learn to do the things he did. Now for those more learned than me forgive me if my definition lacks what you hope it would contain, but that's what I think of when I say The Church. Maybe to better explain it when I say The Church I don't mean a building, institution, or any other man made thing.

So the conference was about the question if The Church was beautiful? To be honest for the last year or so I have been struggling with that question and truthfully, most days I would've told you that she isn't. So when I heard about this conference I had to go, because I wanted to know what others thought and I wanted to hear their answer to the question. But the most amazing thing happened...

He (Rob Bell) didn't spend two days trying to convince us that The Church was beautiful; instead Rob Bell, Mars Hill, and those attending demonstrated the beauty of The Church.

I hate it when they do that.

Why couldn't they prove me right?

Why didn't they spend the whole time trying to give convincing arguments?

Why didn't they act like I expect The Church to act?

Why did they act like Christ expects The Church to act?

Why didn't they put on a performance for me?

Why did they encourage me?

Why did they show hospitality towards me?

Why did they demonstrate generosity towards me?

Why did they share communion with me?

Why did they pour out their hearts to me?

Why did they pray for me?

Why did they share meals with me?

Why did they laugh with me?

Why did they drink beer with me?

Why did they listen to me?

Why did they care for me?

Why did they...

Why...

Oh that's right because apparently The Church is beautiful.

I hate being wrong, but will humbly admit when I am.

I guess she's beautiful after all.