Portraits of the Church

For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building. - 1 Corinthians 3:9 (ESV) There is a new classification of folks that have been identified in the church world - the de-churched. These are people who have been to church, maybe were even a part, but now have left. Asking these folks to return is a big ask. Often this is because they have been hurt by something or someone. Or they look at the news and read about the scandals. Or they didn't see anything of value in giving of their time, energy, and money to an organization. Maybe you aren't de-churched, but you might be 'under-churched'. You wonder if it is worth it. Or you feel a tinge of burnout or relational strain. This week I want to talk to you. We are going to take a break before we start the next section of Romans. We are going to open up to 1 Corinthians 3. In this passage, Paul lays out multiple portraits of the church that puts the church in a different light. Take a few minutes to read it through.