The Pluto Princesses

16 July, 2015

I've noticed a major trend in religion amongst young adults. The majority of people I've met in my life believe in God, to some extent. They believe He exists and understand He's there, but they don't understand His character. They don't realize God is less of a dictator remotely sitting in Heaven as He is a loving Father and friend.

Because of that misinterpretation amongst young people, they classify themselves as spiritual but not exactly religious. They believe in a greater power, something or someone controlling the universe, but don't believe it's something mere humans are to logically understand or even attempt to comprehend.

Therefore, the majority of young adults, unsurprisingly, do not see a need or point of attending church. They may vaguely recall sitting through long, monotonous church services with their grandparents when they were seven years old, getting scolded for crawling under the pews or picking their nose during the offering. They may remember working as an alter server for a few masses in 2nd grade, wearing long white robes that always smelled a little funny.

Widdle James and me looking awkward  ^

Most young people don't see a need for church. They don't see a need for a deeper closeness with a mysterious God. They don't see a need for another weekly commitment, especially on the only morning they can (and will) sleep in. They don't see a need for another community to join when they already have crossfit, book club, and a nail technician.

I used to think that way. I grew up in Catholic school, learning the in's and out's of the ten commandments, seeing Jesus as a statue of a sad man staring at me on a big cross in the front of church. I moved on to attend a public high school and rarely saw a need for church on Sundays.

Once I became a Christian in September of my junior year of college, my view radically changed. Instead of attending the Catholic church in Malibu once every blue moon  (which is actually a very wonderful church  -  Pierce Brosnan and Martin Sheen sit in the front row), I switched to a church in Hollywood called Reality LA. The pastor, Tim Chaddick, is extremely anointed, having overcome the world of rock n' roll and hard drugs for Christ. Reality LA is an enormous church with lots of beautiful people, and even the Jonas Brothers have been known to attend from time to time. PS: Watch Tim here being awesome.

After Reality, I started looking for something a bit smaller, somewhere I could grow and form relationships. I found Calvary Chapel Malibu and was immediately in love. It was a small church of less than 50 people just a block from Zuma Beach, and I knew it was the place for me. I got involved, working as an intern and helping out any way I could. I attended for 2 years, and they even helped fund my 3 month mission trip to Guatemala.

Upon returning home to Racine, Wisconsin, God made it very clear I was to attend the Racine Bible Church (RBC). This last week, I worked as a counselor through RBC with the elementary school girls at a camp near Madison. The girls were the sweetest, most precious cuties in the world. My co-leader, Mary, was an angel and we hit it off wonderfully right from the start. I know God brought us together as counselors because we were destined to be friends. We called our cabin the "Pluto Princesses" because the theme of camp was outerspace. From tying countless water balloons to staying up until 2AM talking about God's love to getting buckets of water poured over our heads by the girls, we enjoyed it all (well, maybe not the water over our heads part).

I spent a few minutes every day sitting on a swing overlooking the lake by myself, and I looked back at all the amazing things God gave me through His churches. I've made countless relationships, been invited to lots and lots of homes and dinner parties and Bible studies, and traveled to places I never thought I'd go. Without taking a leap of faith and joining a church in my home area, I wouldn't have had the opportunity of going to camp this last week and having a ball.

The Bible explains the importance of fellowship above all else. We're instructed to bond together through the love of Christ to encourage each other, speak truth to each other, and love each other. There is no better place to do that than church. I find it ironic how often I see people posting Facebook statuses about loneliness... statuses about not having anyone to laugh with or cry with or be with. But yet those same people find themselves too busy to find a solid church.

I don't mean to condemn. I don't mean to criticize those whom golf on Sundays instead of attend church. Lots of Christians who've never stepped foot in a church will still be in Heaven one day. But there's something so beautiful and comfortable about coming together as a family every Sunday. There's something so warming about walking into church and knowing people there not only know your name, but have been praying for you.

Church is not supposed to be boring. And if it is, it's probably not the one for you. Church is about excitement. Church is about love. Church is about praise and worship and grace.

I urge you, friends, to not only start attending a Christian church regularly, but to serve in that church. Take a few paid vacation days and work as a camp counselor for the youth. Set aside one night a week to help out at a bible study. Bake cookies for a church meeting. Not only will it lead to stronger relationships within the church body, but you'll receive blessings from Christ Himself. There's nothing He loves more than seeing His people serve, and He will repay you for all you give, be it time, money, or energy.

So, what to do if you have no church? Where to begin? If you live in Wisconsin or LA, message me and I can try to help. If you live elsewhere, pray about it. Ask God to show you where you can find community. Ask Him to bring people into your life who will help be a guide. You are never alone, He is always just a prayer away, ready and excited to answer your questions. Ask Him and find yourself surprised when He actually follows through, which He will.

And with that, I desperately need sleep. And a mani-pedi. Good night and God bless, my friends. Be blessed.