Good post here from Thomas Weaver on the Resurgence blog:
Okay I'm not a Christian, but I’ve finally made the decision to come to your church this Sunday. Don’t expect much from me though. If something comes up I might not, but right now I’m planning on it. I feel like I need to go, but I’m not sure why. I want to tell you a few things about myself before you meet me.
1. I'm not going to understand religious language or phrases so be aware of that when we talk. I don’t understand slain in the spirit, God is moving in me, covered in the blood, I need to die to self, you just need to be in the Word, what you need is a new life, etc. If we have conversation filled with religious talk, I'm probably not going to understand half of the words...and maybe think you're a little crazy.
2. When you ask me how I’m doing, know that I don’t trust you. I’m probably going to lie and tell you I’m fine. It’s not that I don’t want to tell you; it’s just that I come from some pain and am not sure if I trust you yet. How about you tell me your story first? If I like you and get the vibe that you’re not trying to capture my soul or anything, I’ll tell you mine.
3. I’ve got pretty rough language and I can be bitter and angry about some things. If I sense in you a mindset of superiority, I’m out. If you are just waiting for your turn to talk instead of truly listening to me, I’m not going to be interested. Don’t expect me to be exactly like you.
4. Don’t make a big deal of introducing me to everyone you know. I understand a couple of people, but please; don’t set up a welcoming line. I’m just there to check it out; I need a bit of space.
5. I’m going to be looking for genuine interest in me. I don’t want to feel like your personal salvation project or be a notch on your “I saved one” belt. If this Jesus is who you say he is, then I’m looking forward to seeing Him in you. That’s how it works, right?
6. I’m going to have questions. I need truth, not your preferences or your religion, so can you just tell me what the bible says?
7. I need to feel welcomed. Is there a time limit or something on my visit before I'm supposed to feel unwelcomed? I mean, I’ve been to other churches and there seemed to be a push for me to make up my mind or something. How long until I’m unwelcomed?
Thanks for hearing me out. I’m pretty sure I’m going to come this Sunday. But I might not.
3 comments:
Good thoughts here, but I always wonder when reading things like this where to find the balance. Don't introduce me to too many people, but show a genuine interest and don't make me feel unwelcome. In other words, "introduce me to some, but not too many and I alone know the number."
"Talk to me about Jesus and don't water him down, but avoid Bible words." The guys at White Horse Inn talk about learning a new language as a Christian and I think that has bearing. I agree with the sentiments of the authors, but I don't think we entirely water things down like justification, redemption, atonement to make it more palatable. I think we use the terms and teach people what it means.
I amen Mr. Kanz.. when I was an unbeliever and occasionally came to church services, I would invariably find everyone either too enthusiastic or too dead, or too shiny or too uncool. I wanted my space but wanted welcome from you too, though invariably I wanted you to know I didn't want you. There was really nothing they could do right, until God himself opened my eyes.
I also understand that if someone is only seeking Jesus in me, then he is going to be disappointed at some point not very far off.
The world's idea of what Christianity is not correct. They think the point of the church is to make everyone into good people like Jesus. We understand that Jesus is the only one to look to, and that as sinners saved by grace, He is our only hope.
There are two tags listed for this post, Ecclesiology and Evangelism.
These hit at the heart of my take on this post. Certainly good suggestions are made but they hint at a more fundamental problem, the confusion about what the church is, i.e. the assembly of believers.
Certainly we can be pleased that people come seeking, but when that is the main focus, then the church shuns its role, e.g. in the case of church disciplin, in order not to offend or 'drive away' the seeker.
We confuse the role of the church and the evenagelist. Christians might invite seekers to 'church' but will they invite them to Christ? Pastors may try to emulate Billy Graham rather than the shephard of a flock.
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