By: Ke’Ana Lampkins
I try not to be too preachy, at least not directly, so I’ll try to stay in that same vein with this article. Nevertheless, I made an observation this week that I think is worth mentioning.
The church is changing. With COVID-19, the church has been forced to adapt to still get the word out. From radio services, live streams, and drive-in services, are all ways that the church has been changing to still encourage the saints. I think what I love most is that people finally realize that the church isn’t about the building but it’s about the people. And the peoples’ hearts to worship and to know God.
I have to admit, I don’t attend the same church every Sunday! Some Sundays I tune into my home church, New Life Church of Faith in Danville, IL. Other Sundays I tune into Tony Evans or Sarah Jakes messages, or I may just find a random sermon on youtube specific to what I’m facing or going through.
And to be honest, this is the closest to God l I feel like I have ever been. Where I have been producing the most fruit and spiritual growth in my life. I have been forced to not look at the religion of what songs are sung and if I like them or not (Because I can do worship on my own now). I can fine-tune and pick for the most part what message I want to hear (or who I want to hear from on a particular Sunday).
Most importantly my growth is in my own hands. It’s up to me and only me to get into God’s presence.
I can’t rely on talking to my first lady and having my pastor lay hands on me every week anymore. I don’t want to beat a dead horse, but again NOW is the time. Things are too unpredictable and stressful to not have God as an outlet and a source of hope. If you have walked away from the church for any reason, this is a great opportunity to find a new church. Literally, there are so many live streams to pick from with no commitment to being a member and having to dodge the hospitality ministry (who undoubtedly will get your phone number and email). You can attend a more well-known church or attend the church at the end of the block in your neighborhood. Most of them have a Facebook page that the live stream from.
Moreover, if the church just isn’t for you right now, or you’re having a hard time, there are other ways to connect to him. Maybe find a good podcast, book, or even just start with praying to him daily. One thing that quarantine has taught me is that you can always find God as long as you search for him.
Don’t let hurt or anger stop you from growing deeper in your life with God. Those battles you have been fighting and not winning, you can certainly win with Christ. Especially when you trust him and fully surrender to him.
My recommendations:
Churches
Tony Evans with The Urban Alternative
Podcasts
Going Beyond Ministries with Priscilla Shirer
Books
Spiritual Discovery: 7 Principles for Spiritual Growth by V.Lelfer
The church is changing y’all, and as a result, God wants a deeper relationship with you.
Ke’Ana Lampkins is a contributing writer for The Pedestal Project, LLC. Ke’Ana is a Christian, wife, and mother dedicated to empowering young girls and women through counseling, mentorship, and education. Connect with her on Instagram @Beautifully_Yanni
The Pedestal Project 