organic religion?

Recently I had a conversation with a young woman who, after discovering I am a pastor, said to me, "I don't attend church. I've gave up on organized religion long ago, like many people in my age group." She is in her early 30s. She went on to tell me about her sister and brother-in-law who don't attend church but maintain an interest in spiritual and theological matters. They listen regularly to a preacher and teacher and are telling her to listen to this guy as well.

"I'm interested," she said, "but I haven't listened yet." Her face displayed the skepticism her voice conveyed.

While this young woman may not be interested in "organized religion" is God at work in her life? Yes. As communities of faith I believe we need to understand that "organized" religion works for the already convinced and committed today, not necessarily the skeptics, Christians on the fringes of community, agnostics, and atheists. This woman's comments to me reinforce my notion that people start with an organic spirituality then move into organized religion, but they will do so only as the organization is healthy, affirming, and life giving. God is not confined to the structure of a church's system nor the walls of a building. The Spirit of God, as Jesus said, works like the wind, "The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."

Let the Spirit blow into into our lives organically producing from within us faith, hope, and love.