Church and AA

jamiehubick's picture
Submitted by jamiehubick on Wed, 2007-03-21 13:22. [ ]

I am in Hawaii right now for a little vacation and think time. I went to my first AA meeting last night. No I am not addicted to anything (maybe food) but I met a friend from victoria over here and she is staying with a couple of good friends who are alchoholics. It was fascinating and very interesting.

One of the friends named zak was telling me that he grew up in christian church, but had struggled to find community. He said AA had become his church. Let me tell you. After the meeting I could completly understand why. A room full of authentically broken people, celebrating their new lives and caring and walking with one another. People that have compassion for the process and admit they are imperfect and need a God who is. There is a liturgy and they even call it a homegroup. They call on one another to share, and encourage each other. I could not help but think that was what the early church must have been like. A bunch of vagabonds getting together to share resrouces and encouragement. It is a place where addicts go because they now they will be accepted and other hurting people are there. What if people could perceive the church that way too? I want to be a part of that kind of community.

» jamiehubick's blog | login or register to post comments
Terry's picture

Blessed are the meek...

Submitted by Terry on Thu, 2007-03-29 07:39.

Too true James,

I actually have a couple of rare minutes to myself and read your oddly encouraging observation. It reminded me that "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven." Basically those who have actually come to grips with their brokkeness are blessed by the understanding of God's grace and realization of His kingdom, namely, His Church. (Church being the place where others with the same experience of brokkeness and grace come to celebrate their God and encourage each other in faith.) Ahhh there is so much hope in this reealization it almost overwhelms.

Thanks Bro...

» login or register to post comments
Anna V's picture

Uh-huh.

Submitted by Anna V on Thu, 2007-03-22 15:32.

That's really interesting to hear. It's really good being raw and open with one another... I'm definitely learning that quickly with the Dance Barn community this year. It is so freeing, like Jolie said.

Thanks for sharing, Jamie.

» login or register to post comments
Sam's picture

Right on Jamie!

Submitted by Sam on Wed, 2007-03-21 18:50.

You've experienced something precious and fundamental to many groups like AA and I love to see that you "got it"! Doesn't it make you wonder why groups of believers don't rush to confess, forgive and encourage one another? Nothing is quite so liberating - especially when wrapped in an understanding that this is God's heart for us, that we be real with one another and Him.

Press on brother!

» login or register to post comments