The church and a cold shower

Sitting in church with a sweet yellow suit. Must have been Easter.

Growing up in a midwest church is a little bit like taking a cold shower in the middle of winter.  You know something’s broken and it really sucks to do, but you also kind of understand that in the end, it’s the best thing for you.

Sometimes I wonder what people in churches are thinking.  Well, actually I know what they’re thinking.  A lot of people use church as one of two things:  A place where they can obtain power easier than anywhere else or a place where, if they are needy enough, they can come and get what they need.

Consequently, American churches are full of two types of people:  power-hungry Napolean types and selfish “give me what I need” adolescent types.  And the good news for the former (but not for the church) is that they can control the latter very well.

The verses that people use to tell everyone else that they need to be in church (and rightfully so, btw) can be found in Hebrews 10 when the writer quips, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds.  Let us not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

There’s a major disconnect here then because churches want people to get involved in their activities (many churches go 7 days a week) and immerse themselves in the community of the church organization, yet the purpose of said organization is, at its best, “spurring towards love and good deeds and encouraging one another.”

We’re supposed to be a coach, and instead we’re trying to be the game.

Related posts:

1. Old people in Church
2. Calling all church leagues! Please STOP!
3. Is this realistic?