THE TALE OF TWO CHURCHES
I recently found two dreams I had in January of 2023 that illustrate this reality…
In the first dream I was taken back to a ”run of the mill” traditional church. The service had already started, but there were only a few folding chairs set up in the middle of the sanctuary and a few folks standing around the sides. Though I heard a faint sound of someone preaching up front, several people were whispering in conversation and a number of others just moving about. I was wondering if this was the actual church service, and someone confirmed that it was. Apparently, it was set up this way to provide for more social interaction. This way people could come and go as they liked and get to know each other more freely. It was evident that the Word and worship were secondary priorities for this makeshift gathering of onlookers that called themselves a “church.” But there was nothing to indicate anything lifegiving or worthwhile, and it was practically empty.
In the next dream I was taken to another church. In this gathering I saw the pastor, his assistant, and a mix of other leaders and younger folks in worship. A group of them had gathered up front to get some kind of direction. I could see the pastor standing on the outer circle taking everything in. The group huddled together was so focused and unified, they appeared “as one” – almost like a wall that towered over everyone else – including the pastor. But, as a watchman, he was excited about what was happening.
Then, a cue was given by some unseen leader that signaled for everyone to respond to an invitation that was given. All at once, people all over the room responded to the invitation. And though it was spontaneous, it seemed almost synchronized as they were all in the same attitude of worship and prayer. I could see and hear each one responding to the call and releasing their faith through various expressions of worship and prayer. I saw one man’s head seeming to spin with great fervency, but though it was unusual, I could tell it was something intimate and even holy.
As all of this was happening, I heard a “swoosh” and felt a wind pass through. I physically felt the atmosphere change. Something had shifted in the spirit and I fell to my knees as a result. It was so powerful I had no choice but to respond. I then realized I was feeling the tangible presence of the Holy Spirit. It seemed to be triggered by this people of one heart and mind, fully surrendered to the direction of Holy Spirit. And it changed everything.
