Randy Pope is right.
He says it like it is.
Writing in his book entitled, The Prevailing Church, he says…
“The church leadership often hears, “If you change, I will leave.” Unfortunately, few people are speaking up for the lost communities who are thinking, at least subconsciously, “If you don’t change, I won’t come.” p.92.
Who is church for?
Is it for those who have feasted at the table and altar and know with certainty where they will go when they die? Or is it for those who have lost their way and aren’t sure which direction to orient their life toward? Or is it both?
Sadly, to often we are more concerned with keeping saints satisfied rather than attracting “askers” who are longing for something to erase the angst of their life.
To be sure, we are interested in reaching lost people, but often on our terms. We are not sure what to do with people who bring “checked baggage” into our churches.
We are a lot like the flight attendants who smilingly tell us “please stow all of your belongings into the overhead compartment or underneath the seat in front of you.”
The people I am meeting are looking for a place where they can unpack their baggage and find a safe place to tell their story.
In northern Spain, there is a way known as El Camino de Santiago. Along that pathway there is an albergue, or pilgrim’s hostel. On a sign at its entrance are these words.
He says it like it is.
Writing in his book entitled, The Prevailing Church, he says…
“The church leadership often hears, “If you change, I will leave.” Unfortunately, few people are speaking up for the lost communities who are thinking, at least subconsciously, “If you don’t change, I won’t come.” p.92.
Who is church for?
Is it for those who have feasted at the table and altar and know with certainty where they will go when they die? Or is it for those who have lost their way and aren’t sure which direction to orient their life toward? Or is it both?
Sadly, to often we are more concerned with keeping saints satisfied rather than attracting “askers” who are longing for something to erase the angst of their life.
To be sure, we are interested in reaching lost people, but often on our terms. We are not sure what to do with people who bring “checked baggage” into our churches.
We are a lot like the flight attendants who smilingly tell us “please stow all of your belongings into the overhead compartment or underneath the seat in front of you.”
The people I am meeting are looking for a place where they can unpack their baggage and find a safe place to tell their story.
In northern Spain, there is a way known as El Camino de Santiago. Along that pathway there is an albergue, or pilgrim’s hostel. On a sign at its entrance are these words.
"open to all, well and ill, not only to Catholics, but to pagans, Jews, and heretics, the idler and the vagabond and, to put it shortly, the good and the wicked.”
Just a thought….
2 comments:
a good thought it was!
Dave - good stuff my friend. I agree. The doors of God's house should always be inviting to anyone, regardless of the baggage. Let all come and the baggage unpacking begin. His house is for love, acceptance and nurturing growth. When that happens the fruit is Kingdom building as well as unconditional love and service to others in the pattern set before us by Christ. Tom
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