Matthew Paul Turner, a blogger who I look up to for his biting sarcasm and genius wit (not to mention his sincerity and love for Jesus), recently tweeted the following question:
Rather than pastors, music, production, buildings, programs, or sermons, what if churches were best known for hope/grace?
It got me thinking a little. I think most of us have a somewhat simple view of the church…I know I do. If you were to ask me, I could rattle off the four or five things that I think are most wrong with the church. Not only that, I could tell you exactly how things would look different if we were to change those things.
But would that really fix things?
The assumption is that the church’s problem is one of not doing their job the way it should be done. Granted, I believe this is an issue that runs rampant in the church. But, that is only a symptom of another problem: the fact that the church is full of imperfect, still-in-process people. People who are redeemed and being redeemed, but people who still make mistakes, act out of fear, choose sin over holiness, etc.
And with that being the case, we have to conclude as an answer to Matthew’s question: if churches were best known for hope/grace rather than all the other junk we are known for, the world would be a much different place. Perhaps even better. But it wouldn’t be perfect. The church would still have problems and the opposite questions would be tweeted. Because in a world full of hope and grace, one wonders what it is that we hope for and for what reason we need grace.
Though I often fail to heed his instruction myself, it was Bonhoeffer who said:
“He who loves his dream of a community more than the community itself becomes a destroyer of the latter, even though his personal intentions may be ever so honest and earnest and sacrificial.“
And though it may deal a defeating blow to my self-righteous disdain for the imperfect church, I believe him.
Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: | Christianity, Church, Grace, Hope, Sin
Before hope and grace, I’d settle for churches being known for love.
In fairness, many are known for this. They are warm, welcoming, and Bible-believing. Oooouu, yeah…that. Bible-believing. Sounds like Bible-thumping…but no. This is something missing from many churches. Not that they don’t believe the Bible…but it’s included as nearly an after thought. Attention is placed upon serving coffee, having cool brochures, comfortable seating, stellar stages and production, and messages that don’t offend or challenge.
It’s possible to show compassion and love while challenging someone to learn and grow. Some churches do challenge…but have little warmth. Some are warm…but have milky messages.
However, above all this is love…sharing and showing it. Let’s be known for this and known for it beyond Christmas.
I love that you say you’d “settle” for churches being known for love as if that is a low goal. I agree with you, though, love is above all things.
Perhaps “settle” was an improper word choice. It’s clearly not a low goal. I don’t feel hope and grace can be prevalent without love.
Right, I was just pointing that out as being somewhat funny.
Indeed, I can be somewhat funny…somewhat
It is refreshing to read someone who has put my exact thoughts into such clear terms.
Thanks, Jasmine! That’s a huge compliment!