As I sit and reflect, I find that many groups within Christianity seem to pick a side and stick with it. For example: many feel that churches need to be downtown and working/living with the poor. Or churches need to be traditional and stand apart from culture. Or others feel that churches need to be cool and technologically hip. Or others feel that churches… and the list of comparisons can go on.Why does it have to be either/or? Can't it be both/and?
So can a church gathering be both relevant and bathed in prayer? Can a church leader both fast regularly and decide to use an entertaining video/culture to communicate truth? Can a pastor both care very deeply for others to be in biblical community and create a series with the very purpose of drawing a crowd? Can a church reach both poor and rich? Better yet, can a pastor use his volunteers and staff to give care to the whole community or is it the pastors soul responsibility? (Add more here….)
It is true that we can find plenty of Scriptural examples of fasting, prayer, personal confession, repentance and biblical community. But we can also find New Testament examples of Jesus, Paul and others being relevant, creating inviting environments, using humor and entertaining stories and preaching to large crowds. So, why is it that people pick sides?
5 comments:
Is it sides, or is it passions?
With that said, it seems that sometimes people pick the wrong church that aligns with the "side" they are on. People should really read the mission statement of the church they are attending before taking the left side of a right movement.
Good points, Gerry! We've attempted to put God in a box with our left or right wing thinking. We need to raise the bar on what we think God is capable of doing in our midst. We need pray what Brandon Heath sings "gimme Your eyes". When we see where God is working and where the need is, we can go and meet Him there, whatever that looks like.
It leaves me exhausted thinking about all the possibilities within a church. A church that is passionate, creative, and tries to do too much may end up being stretched too thin, or being a "jack of all trades but a master of none".
I think that the church should concentrate on doing a few things, but should do them well, rather than try to be all things to all people.
The only side im interested in being on is Gods. Whatever He's doing through the body is alright with me.
I find it sad though that there are many churches in the richer areas, where the donations and work will be easier. It is good to take a chance and work with the area that needs help, downtown.
Post a Comment