Tuesday
Sep232008
Church People Stink...
Tuesday, September 23, 2008 at 3:57 AM Jesus died for the church. The church = people. Jesus died for people. I think we all get that.
So here is the equation I want to plug in to this idea... remember it from way back?
"IF, THEN, ELSE!" IF a; THEN b; ELSE c. Remember that one? So...
IF the church stinks; THEN people stink; ELSE ?????
What else could be the reason for the church stinking in the eyes of the unchurched? I'm really interested in your thoughts on this. I'm not saying that people stink... but if the church has such a horrible reputation among so many in the world, which it does, then what else could be the cause of that besides people?
Reader Comments (8)
You are so right! I think we had a great series on this... "Apologies of a Repentant Church" or something like that. "Christians" are reputed as being narrow minded and unforgiving. "Christians" were responsible for the deaths of many in the crusades and in the conquering of Central and South America. "Christians" have blown up "abortion" clinics and push their beliefs on others, often in a way that comes across as limiting others freedom of choice. "Christians" cling tightly to the concept of grace and yet are often hesitant to offer it to others. They claim freedom to worship in their own way, but frown on those who don't agree with them. In addition they fight amongst themselves over minute pieces of doctrine.
I say "they" because I don't want to be one of those "Christians." I hope we (the Christians of the world) are starting to be more like Christ. To be gracious towards others, to be passionate about Christ, but loving in our sharing.
ps. IF you are a Christian, THEN follow Christ; ELSE don't claim to be a Christian.
Is that too harsh?
Too harsh? I wish you'd get to the point Kirk! :) You are very direct, but not too harsh. The only ones who would think you are too harsh would be those who are guilty of acting like you have stated. Thanks for the comment.
By the way - you can watch the first week of "Confessions Of A Repentant Church" at http://www.impactcommunity.com/messages/messages2007/041507.htm - it is from 4/07 on our website at www.impact.cc
From Sue in Indiana...
I really think that unchurched people get the perception that Christians are “perfect.” Maybe that’s because Christians can often portray a “holier than thou” attitude and be judgmental instead of loving and meeting people right where they are. The unchurched and churched need to understand that we are all people, made in the image of Jesus, all sinners, all fall short, all make mistakes, we all walk this earth together. None of us are greater than the other. Yes, some hold higher positions but the bottom line is we are all people…ordinary people…trying to get through this life the best way that we can. The churched need to help the unchurched realize that life isn’t easier because of Christ but it is better.
I could go on and on…but I won’t!
Oh, you hit a hot button with me. Where do I start?
In the name of 'evangelism', people in church tell the world what they are doing wrong and force them to change. It has to start with love. If we judge them before they ever cross the threshold, they will shut down and not be open to God's love. Nothing turns off a visitor faster than cliques and condescending glances. You can also throw hypocrisy into the mix and world feeds on that.
Christian from different denominations attacking other Christians because of the where and how they meet God. We as a church whole are not on an united front. The Enemy loves that!
I'm not talking about Impact, just the world's view of church in general.
This next generation of Believers are growing up learning tolerance. If tolerance can be twisted just a little to show that we can love the sinner not the sin , we could have an evangelism explosion. Meet them where they are.
Those are a few of my thoughts on this.
Dana
Thanks for the comments and your thoughts DanaMania. I feel your pain. I think as long as we don't swing the pendulum too far the other way, we're all on the same page. Thanks again for stopping by.
I think the problem is most people see it this way:
IF the church stinks; THEN Jesus stinks ELSE you lost me at the church stinks!
So Kirk is right:
IF you are a Christian, THEN follow Christ; ELSE don't claim to be a Christian.
Pretty sad, but maybe all we need to change the world is a few churches that don't stink!
-cw
I love the way you think Craig - great insight. Glad you are on the front lines of planting more churches with ELI. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.