Struggling to Make Sense of Church
There’s a lot of chatter on social media about people fed up with the “church” and polls showing them leaving in droves. I’m so grateful for the awesome times I’ve had in church over the years—the connection and camaraderie, the safe place to feel emotions and be inspired to make a difference in the lives of others. But, to be honest, I’ve struggled to make sense of how God works. I’ve also been hurt deeply by things people in church leadership have done. And the thought of coming together once a week to hear some music and a guy talk, isn’t compelling enough for a person who desires to be on mission for God.
I don’t believe it’s more church activities that we are looking for either. But, perhaps, more specific ways to engage with the world around us. How to respond to pain and tragedy with compassion. How to communicate the love of God without agenda. How to serve the needs of people we encounter without pandering or enabling. How to be humble and selfless in a culture (inside and out of the church) that tells us we are supposed to be great and do great things.
I believe that these are the radical things that Jesus focused on, but that are too upside-down for our current culture to swallow. Jesus invites us out of the rat race of achievement and prosperity, and into the brokenness within us and around us, to bring light and love into the darkest places we can find. I hope to live this way and would love your company. What do you think?