And then..

Having snarled a wee bit about the institutional Church earlier on, I went off to do a baptism interview. Young family, immigrant, lively kids and great fun and laughter as I took notes and sorted the service out. The moral? The Institutional Church is a necessary evil to provide care, home and welcome to God's people across the world. And sometimes, in spite of the heirachy almost, it is a great tool for mission outreach and pastoral care! Must be while I'm still in it after all these years. Still doesn't mean I always like it. But that in itself is a good sign. Woe betide the Christian who falls too much in love with the outward and visible sign - you may forget to catch the inward and spiritual grace!