The issues I raised in “First Impressions” (both parts), are important hospitality issues, though they are relatively minor when compared to the issues raised in the book Jim & Casper Go to Church. The authors, Jim Henderson and Matt Casper, visited a number of very different Christian congregations, from traditional to emerging, small house church to megachurch. Their experiences and impressions made me stop and think a number of times. In fact, this book would be a good one for small group study. A free discussion guide is available online.In the book, Jim Henderson writes, “As a Christian, I’ve often wondered how churches can use the same words, claim the same beliefs, and declare themselves to be totally committed to Christ and yet be so different in the values they present and the practices they undertake.” I think many of us have wondered exactly the same thing.
For example, leading up to September 11, one pastor in Florida captured the world’s attention, preaching a form of “Christianity” unlike our own. Our cable TV company provides us with four Christian networks. I never watch any of them because their teachings are those I cannot accept. In fact, I would consider some of the TV preachers to be dangerous in their stances toward the rest of the world and for the cause of world peace.
In the conclusion of the book, Matt Casper (the atheist) asks an incredibly important question of Jim (the Christian). “Jim, is this what Jesus told you guys to do?” Their exploration of the worship practices of these congregations had left him wondering.
I believe that everything we do in our congregations must be geared toward fulfilling the mission that Jesus gave us. For me, worship is the time for us to gather together, to hear, sing, praise and pray—to be strengthened, recommissioned and sent. On Sunday morning, the church (you and I) need to be challenged and presented with opportunities to give and serve. We need to be reminded that our mission lies outside of the building, focusing on others. You will recall what a wide definition Jesus had for “neighbor.”
What did Jesus tell us to do? Love one another. Go and make disciples. Seek justice. Being church is about what we do together. This is true of congregation, synod and ELCA. We have a God-given mission.
By the way, to the pastoral colleague who loaned me the book, thank you! I will see that the book gets back to you very soon.
Comments? Go to http://niselca.blogspot.com/. Facebook works too! --JC
Thank you for taking time to write such a thoughtful review
ReplyDeleteThink this book is one that EVERY church leader should read. It really makes us think about what we do and how we spend our money. Thanks, Jim and Matt for writing this book and sharing your experiences with all of us.
ReplyDeleteJeff, thanks for encouraging others to read it and for your comments on worship. I feel the same way!
Thank you Jeff for some excellent comments. In a Bible Study in which participated recently we watched Rob Bell's video "Trees." He makse the point that the focus of so many Christians is on the next step - on life after death - that we neglect the fact that we live in the here an now and God has called us to act in the here and now. Being a Chrstian is about living the faith and bearing fruit now. Indeed Jesus told us to be the church where we are now.
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