When I was in high school, I remember someone (Caleb?) telling me that church is a place for believers to gather, not a place to invite those who don't believe. At the time, it made sense, but it seemed shortsighted. Of course, at that point in my life, youth group was the place where we invited friends, and youth group is different from "church."
Now that I'm removed from the church, the idea of a church as a place for believers to gather (and not as an evangelistic tool) makes more sense to me. I've been to church three times in the last year (one Sunday to Peace Lutheran, on Easter with the Rogers, and on Mother's Day with my mom). From those visits, I learned that a church (especially an evangelical church) is not a place for an unbeliever. It just doesn't make sense. When they sing, pray, and read scripture, what am I supposed to do? Observing them makes God no more real to me. In fact, it just leaves me more dumbfounded (and I'm very familiar with "church culture"). Imagine the feelings of an unbeliever who is unfamiliar with church culture.
I'm not opposed to going to a church, but I don't think it's helpful, either. Have you had a different experience?
6 comments:
Before I believed, church was a really uncomfortable place for me. I, like you said, didn't know what to do when they were worshiping. Part of me felt like faking it and I did sometimes...I think even belivers fake it sometimes, when they aren't focused on God while "worshiping". I'm guilty of that, too. But, I definitely think the way an evangelical church worships and learns about God, and the way a pastor preaches, have a lot to do with he comfort of a non-believer. I have lots of thoughts about this...but for another time.
I guess a better question is, "Do you think the church should be comfortable for the unbelieving?" Should the church do more or less to accommodate those who don't believe? My inclination is to say, "less." The church should be a place where Christians can gather without concern about evangelism. It's almost like there should be a way for unbelievers to observe (in a way that doesn't pressure them to participate), but there should be a differentiation.
On the other hand, practically, do you think you would be a Christian were it not for invitations to church?
I think a good church is a place where people,Christian or not, can learn about God. I don't think a church should bend over backwards just for the sake of making people feel comfortable. For example, I think worshiping by song is a really important part of church. But, I do think focusing on scripture and combining it with intellectual debate and reference will force everyone to think critically about the subject, rather than stagnantly listening to the pastor talk. A group of belivers more interested in openly learning about God and discussing him, without fear of doubt, is far more likely to interest and/or engage a non-beliver than sermons of Christ's love for them. So, my answer to your question, is yes, I do think church should be comfortable for the unbeliving, but in a way that challenges all to consider possibilities and learn. Enough with the mushy church stuff, gimmie some tough ideas to wrestle with.
My last sentence was more a request for the church, not a request of you, Sherry. Ha, sorry, that wasn't clear the way I wrote it.
Good thoughts, Kimberly. I've often wondered about the preaching (with the congregation listening or, more likely, zoning out) model, myself.
Thanks for the clarification. I do understand if you judge me as soft after my movie confessions, though ;)
You two are funny! I read an article about a church group of age 20 somethings that did service in their community. That was what kept them involved in their church. It's making me think, what if we served without judgement? If we did it out of love, what if that was one way of worshiping? It's not a clear thought, but something I've been pondering.
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