Thursday, February 09, 2006
Is Church a Fabricated Place?
I believe so... maybe. If so, I am not necessarily saying that is a wrong thing, or a bad thing – it’s just a real thing. Think about it. The mood is set, you’re greeted at the door with a smile, the music is celebratory, the lights come down at the right moment to create the most significant impact possible – your life is changed! Every week. Every month. Every year. For the rest of your life. If church is in fact a fabricated place (and again, I'm not really saying it is or isn't), then do we produce people that have a fabricated faith? I think I am just saying that it is not nearly enough to think that a life can be changed because we created a setting that moves people. People are moved at rock concerts. People are moved at plays. People are moved watching a movie. But it seems like we have put all of our eggs in one basket. We put the majority of our money there. We spend the majority of our time preparing for it. The Big Event. Our one shot. The gathering. I am not saying it’s not important to do things well at this weekly collection of half-familiar faces. I just think the importance of it might need to be deemphasized a tad as the thing you gotta be at, the thing that’s going to change your life, the thing that answers all your questions (though you can’t really ask any). We say we value “market-place ministry.” We say we value the Monday – Saturday walk... but we keep putting all of our resources into making Sunday THEE DAY! “If we can just get them to church on Sunday...” I'm just asking questions. It seems as though there is a breakdown in the spiritual lives of people from Sunday and every other day of the week – so what can we do about it? Is it possible to make church more like the rest of our lives? How do we get Sunday into Monday? What would happen if we spent more of our time and money on Monday – Saturday? What would church look like if it wasn’t Sunday preoccupied? Is there something we can do to make the church more relevant – not stylistically relevant, but life-change relevant? Talk to me.
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It seems like, frankly, the specific message each week doesn't make a difference. People don't need church to comprehend how to live a Christ-like life, unless they're idiots. People don't really need to go to church at all.
Churches are the ones who need the people, but at this point they're more bloated, money-siphoning corporate entities with a wholesome face than something that's changing someone's life.
Churches are the ones who need the people, but at this point they're more bloated, money-siphoning corporate entities with a wholesome face than something that's changing someone's life.
I agree with the fact that "it is not nearly enough to think that a life can be changed because we created a setting that moves people." But I don't agree that church is so fabricated. Of course I'm mostly speaking of the church I attend because that's the one I know well. But you didn't mention the power of the Holy Spirit that is available every day of the week including the service. I will think more and write later.
In response to Justin-
first, thanks for joining the conversation. i really hope we can keep it going. what christians need is community, discipleship and mission - i think that is the point of church. the reality is that some churches have strayed from the intent of gathering in the first place - BUT, i don't believe all churches have by any stretch of the imagination.
the church is people. the church is the bride of Christ. the church is what Christ is returning for.
so, the church exists and always will, but hopefully we can be a people who becomes a catalyst for change, and not bitter towards it - even though it seems like there are a lot of reasons to be, at the least - confused.
first, thanks for joining the conversation. i really hope we can keep it going. what christians need is community, discipleship and mission - i think that is the point of church. the reality is that some churches have strayed from the intent of gathering in the first place - BUT, i don't believe all churches have by any stretch of the imagination.
the church is people. the church is the bride of Christ. the church is what Christ is returning for.
so, the church exists and always will, but hopefully we can be a people who becomes a catalyst for change, and not bitter towards it - even though it seems like there are a lot of reasons to be, at the least - confused.
in response to tim-
it's all about the power of the Holy Spirit. how do we as a church give the holy spirit room to work? on sunday, during the week? do we have any control over that - when he does or doesn't work?
it's all about the power of the Holy Spirit. how do we as a church give the holy spirit room to work? on sunday, during the week? do we have any control over that - when he does or doesn't work?
Steve: You comment to Justin is right on. The church is people not a place -- this is where confusion often existis. Plus, there is value that comes with worshipping with one another, and proclaiming the Word. I believe we all have a lot to learn -- from God and each other. This is what makes "church" essential.
So what if it is a fabricated place? The definition of "fabricate" is: To make, build or construct by assembling parts or manufacturing.
I think that this is a perfect definition of what churches should be about. We should be building a community made up of diverse, individual parts.
I think that this is a perfect definition of what churches should be about. We should be building a community made up of diverse, individual parts.
I appreciate your thoughts...it is comforting to know that 'church' leadership is thinking of these things...and asking these questions.
btw, we met long, long ago in a galaxy far, far away--Eau Claire probably. I am one of Tim's ex-roomates--that isn't from Wisconsin. Brett Knutson
Welcome to the blogoshpere.
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btw, we met long, long ago in a galaxy far, far away--Eau Claire probably. I am one of Tim's ex-roomates--that isn't from Wisconsin. Brett Knutson
Welcome to the blogoshpere.
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