BusinessWeek had a superb issue about life in the office. One of the articles talked about working from home, and said, "In the future, work will not be a place you go, but something you do." That's not an exact quote, since I'm relying on spotty memory.
Most of my work can be done at home. I don't need to go to the office. As long as I get my work done, whether I'm wearing khakis or pajamas, there is happiness in Whoville.
What about "church"? Is church a place you go, or something you do?
Or something you "are"?
Is Anchor a church because people go there every Sunday morning? Or because those people, during the week, represent Christ in their workplaces, pray for each other, show concern when fellow attendees are sick or experiencing hardship, etc.?
Is a marriage a legal status, or a relationship?
Career-wise, I've been hanging around and writing about and cheering on churches and pastors for the past 25 years as my denomination's Communications Director.
Interesting thoughts.
If you ask the people of our unhealthy churches, they will say that church is the building and it is church because we are there at a set time of the week. But to be the Body of Christ on earth, WE must be the CHURCH. As a pastor, my desire is to see people realize their purpose in Christ and then to live that purpose out everywhere, everyday.
As for marriage? It depends on who you ask. I know many people, my parents included, who are married in name or law only. But personally, I think that it is 30 percent law, 70 percent relationship (or something like that).