churchmart, pt. 1
Why is it that the American Church has become place that seeks to have the next best thing? I thought that the best thing came 2000 years ago and the church’s job was to follow him, and imitate him. It is precisely that, following Jesus, acting like Jesus, living like Jesus that is attractive to people.
However, we have left that and tried everything else to attract those who do not believe like us. We have gone the direction of Customer Service Representatives. Trying to figure our exactly what people want (and occasionally what they need), and then providing it with the loudest volume possible. We have programs and sub-programs for every age and sub-group, we spend thousands of dollars on aesthetics to make our buildings look trendier, we stop doing something we were doing when people complain and leave, and we rack ourselves with concern over what we should put on billboards, because that ... that is what will make them come.
Why is it that this seems so far from what Jesus was up to? I would love to see a church billboard that advertised “__________ Bible Church: Join us, Sell Everything You Own, and Follow Jesus.” Who would want to come? Besides if I really had to sell everything, then I wouldn;'t have a car to get there! Or maybe one that said, “__________ Bible Church: Inviting all Liars, Homosexuals, Materialists, Lesbians, Manipulators, Drug-Addicts, Alcoholics, Gossips to Worship with us." This would for sure keep many people away ... those who aren't self-aware anyway. I mean, if you show up and say that you are there because you saw a billboard, what are you admitting?
We might say that money spent this way is money foolishly spent because no one would show up. Why is it that Jesus’ message - his real message - one of fulfillment in spite of serving others, suffering, dependency and some discomfort, has become so non-existent in this world? Even our version of his message has become consumer oriented. Will Willimon (former Dean of the Chapel at Duke University) once said, “If the gospel you are preaching does not get you killed then you are preaching the wrong thing.”
To be continued ....