Frustration. Misdirection. Confusion. These are a few emotions we might have if we are trying to complete a task or create something without directions or if we are lacking coherent instructions! When we’ve never done something, there is a comfort to having someone walk alongside us or talk us through the steps so we know what to expect. You might do this with your kids or for your adult kids, or you might still be calling your parents and asking random questions about all things automotive, food related, or homeowner info! When someone unfamiliar with something, partnership and converging paths from those with familiarity is comforting.
This translates to the church as well. There is assumed background knowledge that isn’t as prevalent in our society as before. The statistics show our culture is becoming less Christian with families attending church less frequently and identity as Christian is declining. Engaging in church is not the norm as it once was, and that means the familiarity and comfort level has decreased, while misunderstanding and misconceptions have increased. What can we do about this? Engaging with the culture is important, but most importantly we need to show our work to those around us! What does that look like?
Any teacher, parent, or student can tell you that times have changed in the schools. Showing your work is more important than a correct answer in many subjects. When a student is completing a math problem, they can receive points and credit towards each step shown, even if the final answer is incorrect. This is because the student can show the thought process and a simple miscalculation doesn’t detract from the process. Reports written or literature class papers that are well thought out, even with incorrect assumptions or conclusions, can still earn a student points. For the church, we need to take note: even if you have the right answer, if you can’t show the thought process behind what you’re doing, that will not give you more credibility in the eye of the observer. We get into a cultural hornlocking within our own churches, let alone with culture who only sees answers without explanations.
The why behind what we do cannot be underestimated! The unchurched culture locks horns with a culture in the church of what appears to be automaticity. An assembly line of people all doing and saying the same things in unison can be off-putting but that doesn’t have to be the case. We can explain why the creeds are an essential part of our faith. We can uplift the gift that the Lord’s Prayer is to humanity. Communion can be explained and instructions can be given so that anyone who is present understands the why behind what is done. The tough times come when we cannot explain what we are doing.
Why does the communion rail dismiss in a random way instead of an orderly fashion? Why do we decorate a certain way, or sing certain songs at certain times, or ring a bell a certain number, or have specific items held in high esteem that nobody knows their origin? Church, we can be intentional about the culture we are cultivating while embracing the history of our faith. Take a fresh look at your church and notice what a newcomer might notice or question. Is there clarity in what your church is doing or is there conformity? Is there discipleship or disinterest for the visitors? Is there a fresh way to do a new thing or stagnant expectations of the same old same old?
Rachel Haseley, Communications Coordinator
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