On Sunday my pastor gave an overview of where we have been as a church and where we are headed. The story of our journey this last year actually gave me chills.

(Maybe there was just a draft.)

Our church has been known for it’s innovative heart to serve Portland, each other and the world. I enjoy being a part of a community that loves Jesus so much and lets it show. (see video below of my “oh so holy” friends Jason and Kieth.)

One reason people are drawn to the church is because we have on occasion, been considered “hip.”  Whatever that is. We have the cynics, the granolas, the families, the tattooed rockers, the hipsters and the preppies. Maybe that’s it—we are eclectic.

We don’t “look” like a church of like-minded people.

My pastor shared that we are swapping buildings with an older church that realized our need for more space.  Their numbers were declining so they offered the switch.

Hello, generosity!

According to my friend, the church has a décor that is…uhh…quite neat.  With a grin she described mauve pews, teal carpet and the ladies’ room linoleum flooring which dons a lovely large floral pattern.

Hello, 1984!

“Sounds just like everyone’s childhood church.” I said with a smile.

“I know…that might be the problem,” she said.

I realize I am attracted to “hip” churches because they are the opposite of how I grew up.  Most people my age go to churches that meet in a theater or an old abandoned warehouse. We are the “anti-establishment” Christians.

“Down with the man!” (Currently I have my fist thrown in the air and I’m typing with one hand.)

Obviously there is something to be said about churches frivolously spending money, building a Jacuzzi styled baptismal and not looking to scripture first for what a wise and intentional life would look like.

Because of the hypocrisy many of us have seen, we are prone to lean to the other extreme, ensuring we don’t look anything like what we’re “against.”

But if we are “against” something, we need to pick apart why we are against it.  In my experience, cynicism has been cyclical.  Sadly, I have a feeling that many people are going to see our church’s new “digs” and find somewhere new.

They probably won’t admit it, but they want something more “hip.” And “hip” in my opinion is what makes us comfortable. (Oddly enough we non-conformists do seek comfort.) I know I found a certain level of satisfaction telling the world that my church meets in a high school. People (churched and un-churched) usually respond with, “Oh, that’s so cool.”

So, I guess this blog is more about me realizing I had to keep in check where I was finding my identity.

Why do I go to my church? …Because of the way it looks?

Why do I love God? …Because He gives me something to believe?

Why do I want to serve others? …Because the world will think I am good?

It seems like it might be healthy to ask ourselves these questions and more. That way we are less apt to get in a tizzy when the church fails us or doesn’t act or look the way we think it should.

I wonder if we are more like-minded than we think?

If we are honest with ourselves, we probably pick a church because we like how it looks, makes us feel and wouldn’t be too embarrassed to invite a friend.

That’s not necessarily bad. Paul says to “be all things to all people” right? But my thought is this: when “being all things” causes us to lose sight of the “main thing,” then why church? Do we not trust people will be attracted to truth over a pew? Do we think it has to be presented in a way that makes people feel comfortable because we fear their judgment?

Let’s face it. People who want to judge Christians are going to judge Christians. I don’t care how cool you package it.

I want to give grace to the people who built churches in different eras.  I believe they really thought mauve and teal would bring the most appeal. (Read that sentence out loud…it’s a nice rhyme.) My hope is that the church and I can figure out how to be “Christ-minded” over being “like-minded.”

The funny thing I look forward to with this new building are the people who know nothing about our church.  They will join solely because they assume a church with mauve pews and teal carpet behaves a certain way.  Mauve and teal reminds them of their childhood church or something that makes them comfortable.

Boy are they in for a treat.

Walls, pews and carpets can never define…Christ’s love and truth define.  And that’s why I can’t wait to stand in line on floral linoleum.

_______

Question

Why do you go to your church or why don’t you go to church?