Have you found the church that’s “right for you”?
Is that what you should look for?
I’m a little conflicted on the subject. I’m not sure the humble church is all about helping people find the church that’s “right for them.” Well, it is and it isn’t.
As a pastor, I hear four comments rather frequently –
(1) “This is a wonderful church. I love the worship and the programs.”
(2) “So-and-so has been visiting our church. They’re members of XYZ church in town, but they would make great members here if we could get them.”
(3) “Since we moved out of town, I haven’t been able to find another Corinth.”
(4) “I won’t be coming back to Corinth because it doesn’t really fit where I am right now.”
These are not direct quotes, of course. Just four kinds of comments I hear or read.
They lead me to make the following observation. The humble church is humble about other churches.
It’s kind of difficult to find a Scripture verse or story that makes this point directly, because the whole idea of having options (especially denominational options) in the same city or area is a relatively recent innovation. But Paul’s instruction not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think” certainly applies.
The first three comments above are certainly compliments. But the fourth is actually the easiest to respond to. We’re not in competition with any other church. I even offer to help members or guests look around. “I’ve been in Hickory for almost seventeen years, and I know many of the churches and pastors. What are you looking for?”
The problem is that all four comments really reflect a kind of consumer mentality about churches. We pick churches like we pick restaurants and physicians. Which one is “right for me”?
But I’ve been a pastor long enough to know that we will disappoint people eventually. Those who choose us for our strengths will eventually reject us for our flaws.
The humble church is OK with that, even if we’re aware of the dangers for the spiritual health of the “consumer.” We know we’re not perfect. We want those who come in the front door to come in with their eyes open, so that if they end up going out the back door they won’t be disillusioned with the Church in general or with her Lord.