Going to Chapel or Church?

I have a lot of colleagues in ministry who are really smart. Among them is Ann Mowery, the pastor of the Zion United Methodist Church in Gordonville, Missouri. She raises the following question:

For those who you who will attend a service of worship sometime this weekend or throughout the week, if it is worshipped focused on the one known as Jesus, you might say to someone, "I'm going to church." In fact, though, are you going to church or to chapel?

Pastor Ann suggests that "chapel" is a worship gathering focused on what you get out of it. You go for encouragement, solace, or spiritual peace and contentment. The purpose is for you to get your spiritual batteries charged to face another week. You and the others who worship with you regularly are the goal. You are the consumer, and it is the "chapel" and the "chaplain's" responsibility to offer you a good product. Ministry is something you get at the chapel.

The focus of church as an event is entirely different. The focus is not you. The focus is on God and others. Church connects you in relationship with Jesus, shapes you as a follower of Jesus, and dispatches you to minister to those who need the love and touch of Jesus. The goal is outside the church, and you have a vital role in addressing that goal. You are not a consumer at church, you are the work force. Ministry is something you do as the church.

So, if you'll be worshipping soon, are you going more to chapel or to church? I'll see you around the next bend in the river.