Here I sit, on a beautiful Sunday morning, with the sun shining outside, in anticipation for going to church and meeting plenty of people I won’t ever see again. I want to talk about community, because it seems to be a constant challenge. Yes, I have plenty of friends, all of which I could call right now if I needed anything or just wanted to talk. But community is a different story.
I have had difficulty with community since high school. Spiritual community that is. I have found communities of artists and have spent most of my time in community with dancers for the last 4 years. As wonderful as this is, and as much as I always want to be in community with dancers, I also desire a deeply spiritual community that will challenge me and push me to grow. This is the type of community that seems to be always just beyond my reach.
I’m wary of writing a “what’s wrong with church” tirade, simply because they don’t do any good. And yet, what is wrong with church? Why do I have such a hard time finding a community of Christ followers who are passionate about all things God related, including art, relationship, and service. I meet many people who are passionate about church, about getting the show right, about technical timing and volume levels. But where are those people that go to church simply because they want to worship and be in relationship with other crazy excited people.
I admit that half the problem is that I like big churches. It is very hard to connect with people in a big church. Even if you meet someone, you are not likely to end up sitting next to them again the following Sunday. And I feel that most people, even in church, would real back if asked for contact info on the first meeting. On that note, lets talk about this meet and greet time for a bit. My expectation for greeting time is that I will introduce myself and learn a little about another person. The point is to make connections, right? When I was younger and part of a community, it was customary to say ones name and ask a few questions. Now, when this awkward part of the service rolls around, I find people simply want to shake my hand and get it over with, being surprised when I actually introduce myself. And not surprised in a good way. The interaction usually goes something like this: reach for each others hands, “hi” on their side, “hi, I’m Jessie” on mine, “Oh. I’m Mike…” with a look that either says this is awkward or why did you ask my name…? Not exactly the Sunday morning encouragement and community I’m looking for.
Whenever I decide to go on a tirade, I’m in danger of looking like an ass. Please know that is not my intention. I’m sure the people uncomfortable with meet and greet time are lovely. I just simply want to know how to find people in the church who are going to want to do something crazy like… do art! Or get out of church and get a beer!
The reality is that I don’t get much out of Sunday morning. I go and worship, yes. I listen to the pastors attempts at jokes, yes. But what is all this without relationship?? If I simply wanted to meet with God, I would have done it at home! I have music, I have a voice, and I have my bible. I can do that any day of the week. On Sunday, I want more. And I don’t want someone to be borderline offended when I offer up my name as a weak attempt at connecting with someone.
Portland is one of the friendliest cities anywhere. If you are open and don’t have a stick up your butt, people will start conversations with you anywhere. If you are bold enough, try to strike up a conversation with a stranger. Chances are, they will be open to your overtures at friendship. You might not go get a drink with that person (though maybe you will), or even learn their name. And yet, you will have made human contact, which I believe is significant, however insignificant the conversation might have been.
And so, knowing that I ask this question with great trepidation, what is wrong with the church???
The church in America is an institution driven by programs to build the "The Local Body" not relationship based to strengthen people. Though the stated reason for programs is relationship, it is more about keeping butts in the seats so you can pay the staff. Your Mother has great insight in to how we should view the institution. She was just telling me about it last night. We should see the institution as a club, more like the Boy Scouts or something, that has it's purpose and program but the Church is outside the doors of the institution. Then we can worship corporately at "The Local Body" and not feel gypped because "The Local Body" doesn't provide community. Really, we each need to do what we know to do and, if we are honest with ourselves, very little of that will take place within the walls of the institution. Just sayin'. - Dad
ReplyDeleteI think the Church should go on more campouts.
ReplyDelete