The Todd Blog

One of the defining characteristics of our generation is our connectedness – or at least a perception of connectededness. Thanks to sites such as Facebook or Twitter, we can simultaneously broadcast our thoughts and feelings to the masses and maintain more intimate or personal relationships at the click of a button.

These tools are doing more than simply connecting us, they’re informing and empowering us as never before.

And, I’m afraid, they’re creating a society that is leaving the church behind.

We don’t need a church to give us mission or an opportunity to serve. We can send a text to The Red Cross and change the world.

We don’t need a “community” of people that we see once or twice a week. We’re connected to 1,000s of friends via Facebook or Twiiter, many of whom we dialog with more regularly than fellow churchmates.

We don’t need weekly sermons. We can download podcasts from preachers all over the world and from years gone by and listen to them anytime we want.

We don’t need potlucks. Fried chicken and Velveeta shells and cheese aren’t that good for us.

So what do churches have that we do need? A couple of things come to mind, but I’m interested to hear what you think.

I’m going to open a fast-food restaurant, which will, hopefully, be so amazing, that I’ll be able to franchise the model out, get covered in major fast-food publications and be invited to speak at fast-food-related conferences.

What really is going to push me over the top is my tagline: The fast food restaurant for people who don’t like fast food restaurants.

You see, we’re going to be different than all those other guys.

The first thing you’ll notice is that we won’t use the traditional molded-plastic seats. Nope, we’re going to use padded chairs that can be shuffled around and rearranged at will. Then, you’ll probably see that everybody is dressed however they feel comfortable – assuming, of course, that this means they’re wearing jeans and t-shirts. Finally, the first impression will wrap up with our promotional posters for upcoming food features. Rather than using traditional graphics to display our information, we’re going to purchase pre-designed posters and get a college intern to add our information to them.

Once you actually get ready to order, you’ll find that the overall process is identical to other fast food restaurants, but ours will feel much more relevant and edgy. Our cashiers will be casually dressed and carry iPhones. They’ll greet you with a high-five and enthusiastically ask if you’re ready to order up some food. As you peruse our menu, you’ll find that ultimately, our products are the same, but they’ve got far cooler names, like “The Crisp” (our fried chicken sandwich), “No-Mo-Moo” (our take on the Quarter Pounder) and “Swell*” (our version of the Happy Meal).

After placing your order, you might discover that we’re not perfect – no restaurant is – and we didn’t give you exactly what you ordered. We’re just trying our best and we’re honest about when we screw up.

The actual meal will probably be similar to other meals from other restaurants, but you won’t be bored and you will probably be more full.

Once your meal is complete, you’ll throw your stuff away and leave with the knowledge that you just experienced a fast-food revolution.

What do you think? Will my restaurant be successful?

*please note the double-meaning of the word “swell” – I was quite proud of that one.

For the past few weeks, Hayley and I’ve been visiting a small church plant. It meets in an elementary school. Intentionally.

Something struck me while we were there yesterday. The church is full of broken, hurting people. And it’s obvious. The pastor talks about it. A lot. But these are people who have received the grace of Jesus and are in the process of being healed (or restored, as they like to say). Hearing the good news of who Jesus is and what He has done fills them with joy and gratitude. Any time Jesus’ work in them is mentioned, people cheer, clap. They’re excited.

And me? I stand, stoically unmoved. Perhaps a smile crosses my face, but nothing more. I am emotionally untouched by the simple, beautiful message of what Jesus has done for me. I don’t feel broken. I don’t feel hurt. I don’t feel joy. I don’t feel freedom.

I don’t feel.

I know the truths that are being shared. I’m sure I believe them. I just don’t feel anything about them.

Which leads me to today’s question: Is it possible that an insistence on reason and reverence and an abhorrence of discomfort with emotion and impropriety has hindered my ability to be moved by the truth of what God has done for me?

It’s been a while since I’ve linked to Shaun Groves’ blog, but you need to check this post out. It’s a little heavy on the sarcasm. But I don’t think that cancels out its truth.

So seriously. Go read it. Then let me know what you think.

We are on the verge – within 10 years – of a major collapse of evangelical Christianity. This breakdown will follow the deterioration of the mainline Protestant world and it will fundamentally alter the religious and cultural environment in the West.

Michael Spencer

Check out the full article here.

What do you think? Is Spencer way off?

…if churches shut their buildings’ doors, gave the members their contributions back and encouraged them to invest in their neighborhoods or community?

What ministries would suffer? Who would be left behind or neglected? What good could come of that?

Just a question floating around my head since Sunday.

Any thoughts?

Note: I believe this idea originated with LifeBridge Christian Church in Longmont, CO. They’re not shutting their doors, but they are exploring giving some contributions back to the members for community investment. That’s about all I know, but I thought it was pretty intriguing.