FYC Podcast Episode 012: Attending The Church For People Who Hate Church
[powerpress]
I recently drove by a Church in my area that had a sign that said “The Church For People Who Don’t Like Church”.
[Yes, I exaggerated a little about the hate.]
I am all for Church outreach, missions and evangelism. I realize that people are coming to a saving knowledge of our Savior because of outreach events that rival a Barnum & Bailey Circus.
I have even participated in suggesting somewhat outrageous ideas to further the Gospel.
Once in a staff meeting I suggested that we have Nik Wallenda string up a high wire and walk between our main building and youth building, which was a significant distance.
I am sure we could come up with a sermon for it. That is how it works correct? Start with an illustration, then an application and then find a Scripture right?
Churches give away cars, TV’s, bicycles and even play the devil’s music for sermon openers. Whatever works.
But even though the sign is eye-catching and creative, when I drove by I began to wonder if they were serious. And if they were serious, what would it be like to try to attend a Church for people who really don’t like Church.
Trying to attend a “Church For People Who Don’t Like Church”
Here are some questions I asked myself.
- Do I have to not like this particular Church to attend, or just Church in general?
- If I didn’t like the Church at first, but after attending for awhile I start to like it… do I have to leave?
- Are there different levels of not liking Church? Does mildly perturbed count?
- Do I have to not like everything, or can I pick and choose?
- If I do like Church, do I have to find something to not like in order to attend?
- How do you create a Service for people who don’t like Church? Is Ice Cream Sunday an option? If so, I’m there.
- Do the Pastor and Staff also dislike Church?
- Do you welcome people by saying, “I’m sorry you are here. I know you are mad right now.”?
- Should we even call it a Church because if people really don’t like it they would never come to a Church?
- Is it anything like a restaurant for people who don’t like restaurants? Maybe you make your own food there?
Ok, so I agree. The last one was just stupid, because nearly nobody would go to a restaurant to make their own food [unless they go to The Melting Pot].
But evidently people will go to a Church for people who don’t like Church, because I see cars there every Sunday.
Hey, whatever works.
