Why Church Should Feel Like a Party (Luke 15 Devotional)

“Hey, do you want to come to the party?”

“Did you mean the fellowship at church?”

“No, I mean the party at church.”

Surrounded by a crowd of adult youth ministry leaders, the camp pastor described a conversation he had with a member of his church.

A mix of nervous laughter and a hallelujah chorus echoed through the auditorium.

I loved his comment. Isn’t that what a fellowship event at church really is – a party?

Why can’t we just call it that? Is it not “spiritual” enough? Does it send the wrong message? Are people afraid we might get loud, make a mess, play games, laugh, or, dare I say, dance?

This camp pastor then added, “Most people won’t come to a fellowship dinner, but they will come to a party.”

That comment stuck with me. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that celebration is woven throughout Scripture. In fact, Jesus seemed to enjoy celebrations more than we often imagine.

Besides, the first public miracle Jesus performed was at a wedding reception. Then in Luke 15, Jesus tells three stories about something that was lost: a sheep, a coin, and a son. Each story ends the same way – with rejoicing.

Luke 15:25 says, “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house he heard music and dancing.”

There was a party because what had been lost was found. Earlier in the chapter, Jesus says there is rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents. Every time someone turns to Christ, heaven celebrates.

Maybe today isn’t about having a dance party in your church fellowship hall. Maybe it’s about celebrating who God is and what He is doing. We throw birthday, anniversary, graduation, and retirement parties for people we love. Why shouldn’t we celebrate the God we love?

What keeps you from truly celebrating Him? Hurt? Disappointment? Fear? Unbelief?

What if God really is standing on the hill looking for you? What if He sees you from a distance and runs to embrace you as you make your way back to Him? What if He kills the fattened calf in your honor? What if he turns on the music and starts dancing?

Is that a fellowship event...or a party?

Now, here me straight. There is absolutely nothing wrong with calling something a fellowship event. I’m simply encouraging you to approach God with a spirit of joy, gratitude, and celebration. The good news of the gospel is that God delights in welcoming people home, and heaven celebrates every life that turns to Him.

Anyway, I was just thinking...