Ever wonder if there’s anything real out there? Have you grown to think that the whole world is a world of facades and pretensions? Well, you’re not alone. Organized religion continues to take a beating in the press and in entertainment. Perhaps it’s deserved and perhaps it’s just an easy target. Either way, there are plenty of people who have grown skeptical and cynical about the authenticity of anybody and especially Christians.

Admittedly, churches, like most human institutions, have developed layers of complex rites, rituals, and practices. Often shrouded in mystery, these practices within themselves produce a feeling of many them are not authentic. Masses attend church each Sunday with little awareness of the origin, doctrinal basis, or meaning of the rites they participate in. Onlookers are left to wonder about the reality of any of it.

The Bible itself records historically how counterfeit believers have outnumbered authentic ones at various important Biblical points. Recorded accounts in Scripture have variously noted that others of God’s people have questioned if there was authenticity in their worlds. Each found that amidst the pretensions and facades there was indeed authenticity.

What would real people look like if you found them though? Well, for sure they wouldn’t be perfect people. They surely wouldn’t have perfect lives. Their families would probably suffer the typical struggles of a pretty tough world. They probably would have some past mistakes they carry with them. However, they would probably offer sincere concern. They probably would be out of themselves enough to reach out to others, especially people they’ve only recently met. They would probably be open to new friendships. Christ would definitely be real to them. They wouldn’t be taking credit for any goodness or freedom in themselves, but would be giving Christ the credit. They probably would be studying to find only truth and would be prepared to change their beliefs according to new truth found. They wouldn’t be bogged down in the traditions of the past, but would rather be drawn to a vibrant present experience of a relevant faith.

Real people are out there. The Northeast Church is committed to being a church of real people. There are people from every walk of life and from varied backgrounds. There are those who’ve walked in faith their whole lives and those who’ve only come to faith recently. There are those who’ve lived pretty clean lives and there are those who admittedly made some pretty bad choices in their pasts. But, they all have one thing in common—they believe that reality only exists in Christ. And, that at the foot of the Cross of Christ all men are equals—equally guilty, equally loved, and equally offered the free gift of salvation and freedom in Christ. Surely there are other communities of believers that nurture real people of all kinds. Don’t let cynicism, skepticism, fear, or whatever keep you from finding the real people you so desperately want to be in community with.