Some of you may know that I started full-time french language courses at the beginning of the month. I had originally sought part-time courses, but the school's guidance counselor quickly advised me that full-time french immersion was really "the best way to pick up the language." I think she was right. My mind is absolutely tuned in to the French language right now. I'm trying to read an article of the Metro journal between stations. I'm reading the French instead of the English on food packaging. I'm listening to sports radio in French. I'm trying to phrase my personal thoughts in French. I'm ordering my coffee at Tim Hortons in French. My french immersion has me focused on one thing right now: the French language!

However, immersion doesn't simply work for language. It also works for lifestyle. Generally, street gangs produce delinquents, and universities produce MBA graduates. Both of these communities produce distinctly shaped individuals, because they have been immersed and influenced in their respective contexts. Likewise, the church was designed as a community to produce Christ-shaped people.

However, it is most effective in this goal when it utilizes immersion. That is, meeting together more often than simply Sunday mornings. It could be in homes, at Tim Hortons, at the mall, or at the movies. You get the idea. Christ-shaped people will emerge when they are immersed in a Christ-centered context, repeatedly. Consider also that the word “church” is from the Greek word “ekklesia,” meaning “gathering; assembly; those called out (to assemble).” Suddenly it makes sense that the church gathers, in some form or another, more than just once a week.

My prayer is that God will show us opportunities for immersion in the weeks to come. May that be your prayer, too.