The Church Without Walls

I came across this cool, hollowed-out church last summer on the way to New Mexico. It's a convertible model. I suppose some would say it's good for nothing but it stands as a testament to some good times and God's work with His people.


When we were looking for a church building I came across two adjacent storefronts in North Park I thought would fit the bill. They were boarded up. Upon further investigation, looking through a crack in the plywood, I saw that they were sans roofs and the walls were propped up with long metal reinforcement poles. They are just now getting re-habbed and one of our Associate Pastors, Enrique V. & his son Aldo, are on the team of workers working on them.

Upon retirement, one of the pastors I worked with in DC, Sam Smith, said he was going to start a new church called "The Church Without Walls". He was free to go out and minister wherever & whenever. I get a glimpse of this when I go to a Padres game and end up spending most of the game counseling with the person beside me and see very little baseball - and that's fine.

Try wearing a clerical collar downtown on the way to a court hearing and see and hear the reactions you get - good and bad. Angst for the clergy comes out and some keep you at arm's length. Pastor John was even sucker punched while wearing a collar when our Tuesday meal for the homeless was at its former location on the dirt parking lot. A bystander exclaimed, "hey, you don't hit God!" Others feel it's an open invitation to talk, confess a deep, dark sin or share a prayer request.

John Wesley's parish was the world. In today's parlance, or that of the Doobie Brothers, he was "takin' it to the streets". His work took him out to the coal mines where others didn't dare to go. He was able to meet with those that may have not otherwise darkened the doors of the church.

Last evening I was able to sup with a group of Student Ministry Leaders at PLNU & more particularly met with all those involved in outreach to the Homeless. I am encouraged by their willingness and obedience. They are a part of The Church Without Walls. There's something to be said for sacred space - that which has been set apart for God's work. There's also something to be said about space God makes sacred because we are willing to follow Him there. My desire also is that my heart will continue to be molded into sacred space. Wherever & whenever I go out from the walls of the church I want to be a minister in The Church Without Walls.

"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." (1 Pet. 3:15)