Good Church
Some great discussion on the blog and even some Facebook comments on this week's Bad Church post.
If you're like me, it's so much easier to spot what's wrong than to engage what's right. In part that's human nature, in part it's a product of being disappointed more than once, as Irene so aptly pointed out.
I'm still amazed that Jesus has put his hope in the church. I sometimes wish he stop using people to reach people, communicate universally or do something to take human error out of the mix. But you can't read the New Testament and come to any other conclusion that the church is God's chosen instrument.
So let's turn the tables and ask: what makes a good church? I'm not talking about creating a church where people who are already Christian have a 'better' time than at their old church. That actually makes me sick to my stomach to think about planting another one of those.
I'm talking about a church that 90% of the population who doesn't go to church might attend - a gathering where they might enter a growing relationship with Jesus.
So in your experience, what makes a good church? What would make unchurched people come running? I think we'd be surprised at how many people like - or are intrigued by - Jesus. What can we do better that would allow the church to be far more effective?
Thoughts?
I’m amazed at how my unchurched friends are attracted to the “authenticity”. I know that that’s an over-used word, however, being real and letting them see you for who you are “good” & “bad” is key to your relationships with them. And I’ve seen Jesus work through those relationships. My favorite quote from one of my unchurched friends is….”If I followed God, it’d be the God that you follow. But, looking at everyone else I don’t think He exist.” So, Good church is “real” people. Like Andy Stanley says…we’ve got to close the gap between image management and who we really are.
When I started going back to church, the thing that really excited me was being greeted by people my own age, and along with that seeing and talking to people that really loved Jesus and were happy to be there and were happy that I was there too.
A good church is a “real” church. Un-church people have a preconceived idea that those who are attending church are Holier than they. That in turn defines church people to be different; perhaps to a point, above un-church people. We know that as bad because it’s certainly not Christian. Even if though we don’t mean to, that’s the impression they have.
I’ve even heard it said, “I have it all together by my own doing. I don’t need God’s help”. If you can’t get it together with God, then I certainly don’t need Him.
Real honesty is steadfast with skeptics, with un-church people. Walking the talk every minute of every day is part of this honesty.
A good church is one which acts real, honest – Christ Like. When un-church people, those lost in faith, or seeking confirmation of their faith, can feel comfortable with people who have a relationship with Jesus, that’s a good church. Christians and non Christians, standing side by side, with the same challenges, accepted as equals, that’s a good church.
Christians are no more or less vulnerable to challenges and loss, to luck and success than un-church people. Christians eventually realize there’s joy and peace in knowing Jesus Christ was – is there as well.
A good church makes allowances for everyone, with all levels of Christian understanding. I feel we have such a church.
“When I am with those who are weak, I share their weaknesses, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.”
(1 Cor. 9: 22-23)
The unchurched, just like the churched, crave connection, acceptance, understanding. What we need to do is bridge the gap — help them to see that the churched is just like the unchurched — vulnerable, fallible, sinful. Regardless of where we are in our walk with Christ, there is that common ground — we have all been lost sheep, looking for a master who will comfort us, care for us, guide and protect us.
Great words here. I so agree that there is not nearly the gap between ‘churched’ and ‘unchurched’ that many think there is.
The people I know (Christian and non Christian) struggle with the same issues. The more we can address that (people issues) the better we do. The more Christians get over any ’superiority” the better chance we have to show who Jesus really is…
Hey Carey! I think that Connexus is the best church for that. Where other non-christians can come in without being intimidated. I love going to Connexus. The music, the people, and Inside Out are GREAT! I love your messages. They are very interesting and make me really think and look to God more. Terrific Job Carey!