HippoChurch

In Dan Kimball’s book, They Like Jesus, But Not The Church, he has this great question - If Jesus sent us on a mission to be his salt and light to others, why is it that we have basically set up our church systems and subcultures to remove maturing people from relationships with people outside the church?

Love it!  Love it!  Love it!  And, I even feel convicted by it, so I’m not railing against anyone.  I know that after 7 years on a church staff, I have way fewer, WAY FEWER, relationships with non-believers and the unchurched than I did years ago.  Now, I would argue culturally that church folks aren’t unlike everyone else in this regard - we naturally gravitate towards those who share similar values and interests.  But, in my post from months ago, “The Responsibility That Comes With Our Tribe”, I mentioned that as Christians we really aren’t afforded the opportunity to just sit back and surround ourselves with everyone who agrees with us.  We have to go out. But the great thing about Dan’s question is that is recognizes that in most churches, the “spiritually mature” are sequestered in church business meetings, elders meetings, Christian education classes, etc.  They’re not often on the front lines in close proximity to very folks Jesus hung out with.  And most of the “spiritually mature” get very angry and defensive when they get within 10 feet of someone who doesn’t profess Jesus as Lord.  Heck, all they really need is a handed down story to condemn someone as “that poor lost sinner”.  Makes you wonder how “spiritually mature” they really are?

Anyway, I’m looking at my hobbies and interests as a way to fight back and get closer to those outside the Church.  I’m playing softball again.  In a city league, not a church league.  I’m thinking about some photography classes to accompany my new digital SLR, and my wife’s an artist, so we have great opportunities there.  For those of you buried in church staffs and activities, I hope you too will think of ways to intentionally put yourself in situations where you can make friendships with those outside the church.  It will be so rewarding.