I've been reading a book called "unchristian" which talks about how non Christians view Christians and the church in general. I've only read one chapter so far (called Hypocrisy), and its challenged me so much... I think the whole book is going to be challenging. One guy, who works for the church in the community talks about the separation between the church and the neighbourhood. He says:
"There is a separation between church and neighbourhood. And hypocrisy- talk without action- plays a part in this divide. For the young people who grew up on the streets, its an age old story: the drug kingpin knows their name, but the pastor does not. The teachers at school don't think they can learn, but they conquer the "street classes" just fine. The street culture always pursues and welcomes them, but the doors of the church are only open on Sunday. The church wants them neat and clean, but the streets take them as they are."
He goes on to say that he co-ordinates mission programs for college age students (much like what I'm doing here in Melbourne. He says that young adults come to his program ready to serve and listen to the voices of the rarely heard. They set out to bring Christ's love outside of the church walls. These young adults quickly discover a loyalty to their new neighbourhood. They fall in love with the streets and all those who live there.
He continues...
"This should be a match made in Heaven, but it isn't. Instead it turns out to be a sharp gust of wind, extinguishing the flame of trust that these young adults kept lit for their vision of "church". When they return home from their experience, they find their church is not ready for the neighbourhood kid who comes to youth group for the first time without a Christian foundation. The homeless man that really smells when he comes to the service. The building fund, pew fund, or organ fund lose their importance when you encounter hungry people daily. Those who have put in a year or more living with families in pain, people on the street, and victims of injustice, quickly lose respect for the church.
I believe that today, young adults are starting to see the church as a place that has not dealt well with the poor and the outcast, whether it be a homeless man in the city or a suburban teen who struggles with addiction.
Young people will not communicate with and seek help from parents, pastors and teachers whose lifestyles and passions do not match their words and faith. They will go to those who will embrace relationship with them; those who are also hurting and who are willing to share it.
Young adults are turning away from a modern church that they see as nothing more than hypocritical. Standards and rules without sacrifice and solidarity is hypocritical. Christian rhetoric without tangible acts of love is hypocrisy. Churches on every corner with hurting people outside is hypocrisy.
A large building with little connection to the streets is essentially empty."
I agree. Whatever I decide to do after Melbourne, whatever doors God opens up for me, I'm going to keep my passion and fire burning, because I know that its a fire that God has lit inside of me. I might end up in a super traditional corps (church), but it's there, with Gods help, that I'll live a lifestyle that is being the change she wants to see. I'll preach the gospel at all times, using words when necessary. Often actions are so much louder than words.
Interesting thoughts hey. We need to bring the church and the community back together, they can't be separate anymore. That's not the way God intended it to be. We've gotta stop being worried about the small insignificant things and start grieving for our community that hurts right in front of our eyes. And then we've gotta let that stir us into action, not being content with a mediocre existence anymore.
That's all from me tonight!
For Him Alone
Ness :-)
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