Punk Rock Church

Between the ages of 16 and up to my early 20's i was a fan of and active participant in the 70's and early to mid 80's punk rock and hardcore punk rock scene. It was an organic, grassroots music movement birthed in garages, basements, bedrooms and the like. The live shows took place in places such as garages, basements, secret rooms on college campuses, dingy bars, secret dingy rooms behind dingy bars, places such as the Son's and Daughter's Hall , or 9th street Hall in GrandRapids, even an occasional show at places like the old pavilion at John Ball Zoo or St Cecilia music society. It was raw it was awesome, there was talent, bands would come from LA or DC or NYC , Boston, Texas, they came from all over and made very little money because they cared about the music and the fans only. Some of my friends played in bands that would open for the touring bands. I was able to see bands like Black Flag, Minor Threat, Circle Jerks, Marginal Man, Misfits, Naked Raygun, and many others, all in their prime, still angry and raw and rockin, it was a special time. Many of these rebels lived in community also.

Moving ahead into the 21st century, I have become involved in something very similiar but very different. The organic, grassroots, missional church reminds me of the old hardcore punk rock movement of 30 yrs ago. These Jesus following rebels meet in garages, basements, crack houses, dingy bars, nice bars, coffee houses, and even Polish halls on the westside of GR. The mission is the city, not the church building, there is raw awesome gut wrenching prayer, there are talented musicians and beautiful art by these rebel Christians. They are focused on these things: intense study of, and the authentic worship of Jesus and the friends who join them taking part in it. They will sing and dance and eat with CEO or the homeless and enjoy the time with either. Many of these rebels live in community also.

I am amused that after all these years things change but then again they don't really change.
Peace be with you, I think its time to dig out some old tunes now