WHY CHURCH

Why church? Always a good question! The pastor did not address the general question, but the specific one about why “this” church. He attempted to address the uniqueness of “this” church. While it is true that each church is unique, has it’s own personality and distinctiveness, within the various church categories’ (liberal, traditional, historical, conservative, etc.) they are often more alike than different. For many larger churches, you cannot tell one denomination from another. The bigger they are the more alike they are. Don’t get me wrong. I don’t really care. They now major on the majors. Too much of our history has been trying to find our difference to be better than another. While now claiming uniqueness, we are more alike than ever.

Take the little church I now attend. The preacher is more than capable. Messages are simple, clear and short, a major appeal to all generations. It is better to leave them wanting more than wondering when he will finish. The music is very contemporary. I know there are many churches with traditional music, but the contemporary side is moving ahead. Contemporary usually means guitars, keyboard, drums and a group of singers to lead the singing, now called worship. Loud is often a major component. We have that.

Worship used to include the whole church service even when it was more disconnected one part from another and not especially building to a climax. Now, many services are divided into two parts: worship (music) and talking (preaching). These all have slightly different meaning in different churches. Music continues to be the great divider and may be the reason we need so many different kind of churches. When all churches had a piano, organ or nothing, congregational harmony ruled the church music world. With groups leading and bands dominating, we listen more than participate. Actually singing has declined. A large number or older professional musicians got their start in churches. It was a place they learned harmony and sung their hearts out. I guess one learns on American Idol now.

Regardless of size, most churches are trying to make their church feel smaller with variously named small groups. This is done for personal connections, intimacy, and relationships. Good idea, often badly executed. Small group connections are not as easy as leadership believes or encourages. Many small groups are closed. One must push their way in, or have a connection. If you walk into the church on your own, you have no credentials and must beat the doors down is you want it. I; not that interested.

I spent 13 years of my life professionally analyzing church structures and procedures. My evaluations are not perfect, but I see one common area of total failure. It is hard to be welcomed into a church, even one that calls itself “friendly.” Handing out a bulletin and shaking hands may be a start, but it is not the end. Usher friends who block the door talking with one another or their entering friends is not friendly. A point in the service where “we greet another” is not warm to strangers. It is a time for friends to connect. It is intimidating to strangers. Why shake hands and share my name with someone I will never see or speak to again. That’s the nature of large. At our church there is a coffee break. It make be superfluous, but I do like donuts and the coffee is coming at the right time. At least it gives me something to do while friends gather to talk.

I’m not against large. I'm against fake and forced friendliness. You want answers from me. Are you kidding? That would only create another fight. What I just wrote is bad enough. I just like to stir the pot.