Strange question, because in a sense I never left, I never let go of denominational affiliation or festival services. But in a sense I was “gone”, church having moved from a heart song to an obligation. Since, I rejoined it all, in ways that are surprising for me at times, the question is why?
Why? Probably for many of the same reasons that others reading this blog have rejoined or re-engaged or who are reading it wanting to rejoin/ re-engage.
#1: It stopped being about attending a church service and it starting being about joining a movement
There is a wider movement – something I could repeat to myself 20 times a day. Churches tend to make a “religion” an increasingly small experience, one focused on looking in. But it is really about a movement, period. Therefore “belonging” takes it rightful place at the head of the table, displacing “belief” as the key differentiator of acceptance. That mission of belonging – ah – boy I know that mission when I hear it. At a recent wedding I was talking to a couple who spoke movingly of their passion around the revitalization of Christianity and that this had to be bigger than any one church. That is it! I read in the words of Emanuel Swedenborg as well as other spiritual thinkers this very same disruptive and blessed call.
#2: But I thought the church was all about casseroles
For most churches the issues are pedestrian. For the New Church the burning issues of budget and “Who will the next bishop be?” are foremost within denominational circles. It is not that those questions and concerns are without merit. But they are not THE questions of a church. However, they are the questions that generate the most heated discussions. I know this controversial to say but even questions around the ordination of women, divorce, and homosexuality are not THE questions of church either. Again, critically important, but not THE questions. If they were, Jesus would have spent chapters giving us answers. But He did not. Instead He consistently calls us to love, compassion, hope, service. That is where the questions lie. I believe firmly that if we get clear on “first things first” – asking the right questions – the answers to the above issues will become clear. However, if we get mired in the small stuff and confuse it with the “work of church” we make church petty, childish, and frankly a playground for our vanities and agendas, not God’s work. Viewing issues like the ordination of women through love, compassion, hope, service creates a rich and textured conversation that will yield answers.
#3: We are all searching for meaning
Everyone wants to live a life of meaning and purpose. Some will be concerned with the afterlife – heaven and hell. Others won’t. Some will be concerned with the exact definition of God. Other’s won’t. And yet within all that lies a deep human desire to find meaning and purpose. A church can share that and let go of much else, leaving others in the freedom so precious to God.
#4: Christ, even if you think of Him as just a human being, is incredibly cool!
I really like Christ. I find Him very funny. I find Him wise. I find Him insightful. For me He is the Divine Human – God incarnate. I have dear friends who see Him differently – not as God but as an incredible human being. Even from that position – in simply living His life as an exampled pattern of life lived to the highest standards of humanity – lies transformation not just for the individual but for society. If one sees in Him a model- Divine or otherwise – and lives according, I suspect we all can find a way forward in the world!
So to close, we can find in church new definitions of what church even means. We can likewise find our voice as well as a deep sense of purpose and community. Maybe this Easter, just give it a try. Don’t reject church out of hand because maybe what you are rejecting is a was and maybe you are supposed to play a role in what will be.
