This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.
By Matthew Spencer & Lyn Parker
LONGMONT - Pastor Matthew Spencer of Christ Church International sat down with Reverend Steve Reinhard, the Lead Pastor of Longs Peak United Methodist Church, this past April to discuss the importance prayer has in our community. This conversation was packed full of interesting thoughts and ideas. Specifically, they discussed the significance of Holy Week, how God loves variety, how a church building represents the presence of God to a community, and yet, how the church should see beyond the four walls and actively be the church in the community. Finally, they discussed the importance of praying throughout our daily lives.
We hope you enjoy this conversation!
Reflections on Holy Week
At the time of the recording of this video, Holy Week was taking place (during this week we remember Jesus’ crucifixion, death, and resurrection). The pastors began the discussion by talking about Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, and how Jesus went into the temple like a “double protest.” Pastor Reinhard said, “[Jesus was] protesting the Romans’ power over the people and over the temple and the city of peace, Jerusalem. And then protesting the Romans’ stranglehold on the place of worship, on the temple.”
"God Loves Variety"
Pastor Steve Reinhard referred to Isaiah 56:7, "For My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations." (NKJV)
Pastor Reinhard said, “We are the body of God’s family all across this earth in all varieties.” He continued saying that God loves variety. All we have to do is look at each other and see that variety is apparent -- even between just two people! And we should love variety as God does and pray for the nations of the world.
Pastor Reinhard said that years ago, we used to have to go overseas to meet people of other nations. But now, there is so much variety even just within our own country and even our own city. And as the nations have come together even in our own community, our churches now have become, literally, houses of prayer for the nations. That breaks down walls.
The Church Is Not Just a Building
Pastor Matthew discussed the (then-recent) burning of Notre Dame in Paris, France. He commented that he had heard Cardinal Dolan say, in response to this fire, that “a church building represents the presence of God in the community.”
Pastor Reinhard added that, “people of faith, people who lost their faith, people who have never had faith... [the burning of Notre Dame] impacted them in France, in Paris..."
The pastors continued, “It’s what happens inside the building, the prayer, that is really the power of it all.”
Pastor Reinhard commented that the church is not the building. Pastor Matthew said we are "living stones". We are the body of Christ, and Jesus is the cornerstone.
Pastor Reinhard shared a memory that he had the privilege of being part of a church building project as it was being constructed. One night after dark, he went to pray over the building which was still under construction. As he stood there on the concrete foundation in the sanctuary, he could look in all directions -- North, South, East, and West-- and see outside of the structure. He said, “What an image, a symbol of what all churches are called to be by God that we are never confined by our buildings.”
Let the World Be Our Parish
Pastor Matthew shared a quote by John Wesley: “Let the world be my parish.”
He continued that, “We need the power of the living Christ in us to get us out of our doors, to get us out there on the streets, in the marketplace, in the workplace, and in the family.”
Pastor Reinhard commented, “How do we fill up on a regular basis with that power of Christ in us? I know it’s prayer. It’s individual prayer, it’s where two or three are gathered together, it’s worship when we are in prayer, the house of prayer, for the nations…”
Pastor Matthew said, “Some people may have this idea that prayer only can happen in a sacred context, within a church building. But prayer is about when you’re out there, when you’re working, when you’re talking with a friend, when you’re walking. We should be praying, fellowshipping with the Lord..."
Pray Constantly
On this idea of living a life of continual prayer, Pastor Reinhard shared that he is making a practice of waking up in the morning and praying, “God, make everything I do today, everything I think, everything I say today a prayer to you.” He suggested following this up in the evening by asking the Lord, “God, how did I do in following your Holy Spirit to be a person of prayer all day long?”
He concluded his thoughts by saying that resurrection is not just for this life. It’s for every day, every moment, every breath.
In conclusion, the pastors prayed for each other before praying that the Lord would give the church in Longmont eyes to see out of the walls, to give us walls that are transparent that we could see the needy in the community, and that Jesus would thrust forth laborers into our beloved city -- Longmont.
Longs Peak United Methodist Church
Are you interested in learning more about Pastor Steve Reinhard and Longs Peak United Methodist Church or planning a visit there this Sunday?
Find out more at: lpumc.org
When: Worship Times: Sunday - Praise 9AM, Traditional 10:30AM
Where: 1421 Elmhurst Drive, Longmont, CO 80503
Longs Peak United Methodist Church Contact:
Phone: 303-776-0399 Email: [email protected]
Connect with Longs Peak United Methodist Church
On Facebook at: @LongsPeakUMC
About - #Longmont Prays
Longmont Prays is a prayer initiative by Longmont area pastors and ministry leaders. In these interviews, we talk about the importance of prayer and why prayer is such a high priority and value for our city. We’re really declaring just that: prayer matters. In the coming weeks, as we release these videos through The Longmont Observer. Our hope is that these interview will,
- Draw your heart closer to God.
- Inspire you to pray.
- Help reveal the need to pray for our beloved city — Longmont.
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Connect:
To find out more, please check out our Facebook page (Click HERE) or go to our YouTube channel (Click HERE). Also, feel free to check out and use the hashtag #LongmontPrays.
#Longmont #LongmontPrays #Prayer #LongmontChurches #Spirituality
