It’s pretty fun if you say it fast
Continuing our seeker-sensitive discussion (kind of):
What does it mean to “get fed” by a church? Have you used this language before? What did you mean? From what does this idea stem? Is it time to leave a church if you’re no longer being fed? How do you know you’re not being fed?
What does it mean for a church to be “authentic?”
This word has been thrown around a lot lately, becoming almost as irrelevant as “relevant.” But amazingly, no matter who whom (h/t: Sam’s Dad) you ask, this adjective will likely be used to describe what is desired from a prospective church.
But what does it mean? What are the implications of an “authentic” church? If you were to walk through the doors a church building, how would you know whether or not you were entering a sanctuary of authenticity?
This summer I’m teaching the Wednesday night class for my youth group. We’re discussing “The Secret Message of Jesus” by Brian McLaren - one of my favorite books. (Sidenote: I’m also teaching the adults on Sunday Morning. In that class, I’m teaching on Mark Batterson’s “In a Pit with a Lion” - a good book, but not nearly as challenging as SMOJ.)Tonight we’re talking about our respective journeys - where we’ve been, where we are and where we think we’re going. The point of this discussion is to help them understand that the way we think of and communicate Jesus is based upon where we are on our journey. If we can recognize and appreciate this, it will dramatically change (for the better) the way we share our faith with those around us.
Many Christians have this idea that there is one way – their way – into a life-changing faith. That simply isn’t so, and to try to pull people off of their journey and onto a similar or identical journey is harmful and, I believe, wrong. Rather, we should come along side people, encouraging them on their journey while sharing our personal experience and insights.
So let me ask you. What’s your journey look like? Where have you been? Where are you? Where are you going? How does your journey color the way you think about Jesus?
(Just in case: I’m not preaching relativism; I’m preaching a big God who keeps His promises. Jesus promises that all who seek for truth will find it (Matt. 6:33) and in Heb. 11:6, the writer assures that God rewards those who earnestly seek Him.)
I’ll get back to the “why” series after this post, but hopefully this post will foster even greater discussion.
For a while now I’ve been struggling with what to do to reach my generation. Should I approach my leadership and ask them to change or adapt the Sunday morning service to make it more emergent friendly? Should Hayley and I leave, looking for a new church home? Should I, with a team of like-minded individuals, attempt to start something new?
I feel like approaching my leadership and asking them to change is the wrong way to go. Who am I to change the way my fellow congregants worship? They’re perfectly happy with the way Sunday morning looks, and have little to no desire to see anything different. And while I recognize the importance of stretching and growing, I also appreciate the importance of peace and harmony. Adding instruments, videos and a radically different service style would not promote peace and harmony.
I also hate the idea of leaving our current congregation. I know Hayley wouldn’t enjoy that and leaving Central would upset people that I’ve grown to love.
Which leaves the final option: starting something new. I feel like this option is the best, but I’m not sure to what level this “new thing” should go. Should it be an alternative gathering on Sunday nights? Should it be a concerted church plant effort? Do we need to get the support and blessing of congregations to do this or do we just go for it?
So many questions, so many barriers and so much that needs to be done. So, I ask all of you for advice and guidance.
What should I do?
Hello! Thanks for stopping by my slice o' the web. As you are likely aware, this my blog. On this blog, I share my thoughts and musings and encourage you to join the conversation. I only ask that you respect those who have already commented and, if you're able, me. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.
