I was browsing my RSS reader when I came across a new post from my favorite blogger. Her thoughts really got me thinking about the way we view church here in America, and the tension between what she refers to as “Pretty Church” and “Messy Church.” Regardless, I do believe that the Church has this purpose: to be a loving community of people who, above all else, long to serve their Creator.
Unfortunately, my church experience is drifting away from that.
I don’t want to make any excuses, but put a group of singles together week after week, all of whom are in their mid-twenties to early-thirties, and you’re asking for difficulties. Petty drama follows after foolish arguments. The childish nature of relationship-seeking Facebookers spills over into the mission of the Church and poisons much of our interaction.
I say all of this ironically because I’m the chief culprit.
But I’m quitting now. The urban tribe doesn’t belong in the Church, and I’m putting an end to my involvement in it on Sundays. I’ve turned the service and worship experience into a live-action social network and begun to feed off the silliness of my “Sunday-night playdates.”
As brothers and sisters in Christ, our primary aim should be to encourage one another in spiritual growth. But much of what I’ve seen lately has been just the opposite. I had to ask myself this question last Sunday night on my way home from Liquid: What am I doing to help my fellow Christ-followers grow closer to Him? Conversely, am I actively seeking relationships that will nurture my fellowship with Christ? Or am I content with hanging out with people who worship during the service on Sundays, but never ask me about my fellowship with my Savior? When was the last time I asked someone that question?
So, my experiment. . . I’m going to avoid the Qube Lounge after the last service this Sunday. If anyone wants to join me, you’re more than welcome. If no one does, that’s fine too. I know that at the end of 15 hours serving at church, I’ll probably need to spend some time alone with my God.
What about you? Have you turned your church into a social gathering? If so, do you think you’d be willing to join me in stepping away from your urban tribe and re-opening the Word by yourself or in small community within hours after the pastor has said his final sentence?
(click the pic!)