So I hadn't posted in a couple days, partly due to the homecoming festivites of my University this weekend. The Central Methodist Eagles defeated the Culver-Stockton Wildcats 40-18 (football). Let me tell you, it was quite the beat down. Easily the most points i'd ever seen my school score. The crowd almost didn't know what to do.
Since its late at night/early in the morning, whichever you prefer, i'm ripe for some discussion. My thoughts as of late have been centering around the church and good or bad of a job we do with fulfiling the call to spread the gospel to God's people.
Basically, I've been thinking about how much of "church" is for people who are already in the church. Its been said that the church is (or should be) a club that exists solely for the benefit of people who are outside the club. I believe i've heard that said somehwere else, much more elequently of course. But next time you listen to a Christian song, think about it from the perspective of someone who's never been to church, not that going to church MAKES you a Christian. I think that the church should minister and serve to those within it. But think how scary a church could be if you had never been in one before: All that red carpet, everyone but you is wearing a nametag, you don't know any of the songs or prayers, and everything in the sanctuary is symbolic from the candles to the stained glass to the inscription on the pulpit. All of this would be foriegn to you.
I'm not calling to get rid of any of these things. I just think it's a good idea to keep in mind not everyone in a sanctuary "knows the drill" with lots of the things we do in corporate worship. I've never met anyone that says "I LOVE BEING EXCLUDED!" Have you ever been the new kid at school? Imagine the same feeling only not as a quivering second grader, but as an emerging adult with lots of doubt and questions. We need to be educating those that are new to the mix and reminding those who have become complacent in the church about why we are doing what we are doing.
4 comments:
Who's Ready for Atlanta?
My, what a difference a year can make. At the Direct Marketing Association's fall conference last year - I guess I'll call it DMA*04 - search was barely on the schedule.
Just out blog surfing. Interesting perspective, thanks for the words of wisdom!
See ya
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Good thoughts...education is the key. On both sides. We have a new members class that I wish I could take myself. OF course that won't happen because I get paid for this crap. (Just kidding about the crap.)
Not all churches have their congregation wear nametags or have the choir wear robes and even have symbols and stained glass windows. The simpler looking the building is, the less intimidating it can be for a visitor.
I don't think ALL church's have things things, but let's face it, a lot of them do.
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