It's not because there's anything wrong
about churches of any size — or mission statements.
Note: Please understand that I do not want to sound simplistic in my appreciation as I am
thinking about the church in general.
I don't
know about your church, but that's a similarity between this community and most churches I've been a part of - more people gather than speak out.
There is of course a lot of
things about church life (in most churches and maybe all churches) that could use serious improving.
For instance, I can't
write about church and community when I'm not making time for church and community in my life.
I am always delighted, though, when people
post about their church institution and the wonderful life that it is pouring into them.
Almost every day I
hear about a church, neighborhood, or community opening their arms to a refugee family.
You will be surprise in learning there are a lot of people who feel the same way you
do about the church setting and would be very receptive in this type of approach.
I laughed at your
comment about your church handling baby showers with military precision — how wonderful to have such a great community!
I have written a
LOT about church buildings on this blog, so won't try to repeat any of it here.
I'm not aware of his ideas about vision, but I am sure he would seriously question modern
ideas about church, which vision would fall under.
How long are those who have «returned» going to remain if what they didn't
like about the church 20 years ago hasn't changed?
They
read about church corruption and pastoral sex scandals in the newspapers, and they don't trust us.
There's a lot I really
love about my church, but I'm still fearful of being perceived negatively; probably because of past experiences.
I just came up with an idea:
How about all churches commit to a one year moratorium on vision - casting, goal - setting, and mission statements?
My hope is that identifying and discussing them here will help us engage in better
conversations about church, both online and in our faith communities.
Ask what they love
most about the church, what they're most excited about for the upcoming year at their church or what their biggest prayer is these days.
Something I'm finding frustrating
about the church right now is that it doesn't allow for change... neither institutional or personal.
This past week I've been commenting on a local newspaper forum on an
article about a church — it just so happens to be the last church I left.
I think it is easy to
forget about the church we go to, it can provide counseling that is both affordable and practical.
Anyway, I sometimes think many adults might feel the same
way about church, but are too... well, «adult» to say what they are actually thinking.
I'm not just talking
about the church group or the condo board — these can be huge time sinks — but rather your community of professionals.
I must admit, I do find it a bit difficult to listen to complaints
about the church because all too often I find it is from people who are not committed to it.
This minimal period of instruction
about church membership is often the last formal learning experience of church members.