Last night our church held its annual Fall Festival for our children and their families and friends. This year we began with “Trunk or Treat” where families decorated the trunks of their cars and vans and then stood by them to hand out candy as the children made their way around a part of the parking lot sectioned off for the event. The children had a great time and the adults did too. It was amazing to see some of the elaborate decorations. You could tell a lot of thought went into the preparation.

After the outdoor portion of the program was over, we went into the Fellowship Hall to share in some food and games. I cleaned up the back of our van and made my way to the indoor festivities. As I walked in, there were people gathered in groups all around the hall, and the room was filled with conversation. The evening was filled with laughter, smiles and great fellowship.

One of the women who came to the event commented that her family (which is quite large) enjoys using our hall for their special gatherings, then she added, “It feels like that tonight, just like a large family gathering. Maybe this is an opportunity for people who don’t know the joy of family to find it here.”

Of course, the comment made me smile, and I pray that the people there felt like family, but her thoughts started me thinking that we often talk about the Christian community as the “family of God,” but is that what we experience and share when we are together?

I know that even in families their can be challenges and dysfunctions, but shouldn’t the church be more than just a gathering of like-minded people. As United Methodists, we claim a mission to, “make disciples for the transformation of the world,” but making disciples is more than making members. It is more than simply increasing attendance. Making transforming disciples involves being real community – a place where real people can interact with authenticity all under the banner of the love of Jesus Christ.

Last night, was one time we got it right. Now my prayer is that we can continue to recreate experiences like that until that is the norm. I want it to be our DNA to be authentic community based on real relationships and the Spirit of God. I know that as imperfect people, we will always have room to grow, but I pray that we can be a living example of the living Christ.

We need the church to be the church, and so does the world. That is a prayer worth praying and a goal worthy of our work.