Yesterday I got a postcard for a startup Church near my home, and went to there website for more information. I was curious as the card had no crosses on it or mentions of Jesus.
On the website I found this statement. Clearly they are seeking to welcome people into their midst.
... we strive to make your experience comfortable, easy, and fun. From the moment you pull into the parking lot our traffic team will help you find a place to park. Once inside, our guest services team will be there to welcome you and assist with any questions you might have. Grab a cup of coffee or a bottled water from the Connection Cafe, enter the main auditorium, sit back, and enjoy the church service.
While I would not presume to critise their motive of serving others in Christ's name, I could not help but think, who is worshipping WHO? What do you, my readers think?
Teresa,
Thanks for giving another view, of how this method would work to serve people who might need it, to "recharge" as you say. Good point.
Posted by: Monk-in-Training | June 12, 2008 at 04:59 AM
Then again, when I left the church, people would often ask me how I "recharged" my "spiritual batteries"...essentially saying that the church is a refuge and a rejouvinating experience...a place to go to "recharge" from all the hard work out in the world.
So there's that.
Personally, I found it much easier to believe in God after I stopped trying to believe all of the other weird stuff that I had to believe in order to belong to the church.
:-)
Posted by: Teresa | June 12, 2008 at 12:11 AM
I think Dietrich Bonhoeffer would turn over in his grave if he read that advertisement. So much for "The Cost Of Discipleship."
Thanks for posting this, Monk!
Posted by: David Richardson | June 10, 2008 at 08:04 AM
I guess the question is whether a little bit of "church" is better than none at all. Nice if this place could be a stepping stone for entry level people into another, more authentic church.
I once attended a Sunday show, uhh, I mean service, at such a congregation in Little Rock. It was a mega-church. Rows and rows of young people were joyful and happy (happy-clappy), but I came away sad, shocked, and sorry.
Posted by: Dina | June 09, 2008 at 04:37 AM
I think I now understand the phrase I've seen elsewhere in the blogosphere, "seeker-sensitive church".
Posted by: Steve Hayes | June 06, 2008 at 11:52 PM
I served at a "seeker sensitive" Baptist church for several years that used similar ads. The idea was to remove any unnecessary barriers to church attendance so that the only potential stumbling block would be Christ himself. That makes sense to a point, but over time, I concluded that this approach encourages people to become "consumers" of religion rather than developing an authentic life of faith. Plus, this approach is usually accompanied by a huge investment in sound and video equipment so that an entertaining service can be offered. I would prefer to see that money go to needs in the surrounding community.
My 2 cents!
Posted by: Steve | June 05, 2008 at 07:44 PM
Can you imagine what Jesus would say to this?
"we strive to make your experience comfortable, easy, and fun"
I am pretty sure the guy who told us to take up our crosses daily would have some choice words for these folks.
Sigh.
Posted by: Rachel | June 05, 2008 at 12:35 PM
Thanks Teresa,
I really don't want to criticize them, as I am sure they are wanting to reach people for Christ, I just have a hard time with that sort of venue I guess. :)
Posted by: Monk-in-Training | June 05, 2008 at 11:34 AM
Ya know...the bit you quoted made me think of ads for spas.
The use of florid language to make being smeared with exotic mud and mooshed-up fruit-pits worth the $800.00 and one day of your life you will never get back...
And as far as I can see...you are not criticising their motives or their message...since neither are inevidence.
What you've got here is not a message...it is a sales pitch.
Posted by: Teresa | June 05, 2008 at 08:19 AM