The church search
Laura complains about me as she reflects on her search for a new church in Canberra:
.”…Anyway, the upshot is that I don’t see myself attending that particular service again, though if they do start something different, I’d be definitely interested. I’m not writing this to put down this particular church, in fact, I think they are doing a lot of things better than many traditional churches, and it probably meets a lot of needs, just not mine. I’m writing this in case anyone reading this, who happens to be living in Canberra, has a similar wishlist to me….
This is my wishlist for a church:
-Plenty of social time.
-Be able to disagree, especially with the minister.
-Be able to voice opinions or ideas without censure, even if they aren’t widely accepted by the faith community.
-Any time but first thing Sunday morning.
-Be allowed to be negative, if you are feeling negative. No pretend joy.
-No singing.
-Regular input by people within the congregation, not just the leader / minister.
-Preferably accompanied by food and beverages.Well Phil, you’ve made me pretty bloody picky, haven’t you?“
See how Ministers get the blame for EVERYTHING!!!!
January 22nd, 2007 at 9:06 am
oh, poor Phil. You love to play the victim, don’t you?
January 24th, 2007 at 6:57 am
I don’t play… I am the victim!
January 31st, 2007 at 3:37 am
I like a lot of things on your list, as I see them as scriptural (well, I am a little lost on the ‘no singing’ thing):
My suggestion is that, rather than look for what fits you perfectly, look to come together in fellowship with other like-minded (non-traditional) saints in your area: and appreciate them (and your gathering) for what they are and it is. In the community of faith, every voice is legitimate (for Christ legitimizes us), so true authenticity is coming together in faith despite our differences in terms of personal preference. I see that you believe (correctly in my opinion) that we are all part of a royal priesthood; that we all are able to teach, prophesy, pray, and serve in various ways as God so leads. This desire to see Christ alone uplifted and all saints similarly esteemed (”where one suffers, all suffer; and where one is honored, all are honored) is a sufficient condition to require for your assembly. Perhaps, you may begin in your own home: the church which meets in the house of ____.
Peace