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Back in High School I was a rare breed. I played soccer and did musicals. Stop it, I can hear you snickering from here. Anyway, we used the old adage, “The show must go on!” about a thousand times… in fact, we used it until it was so sarcastic that it was funny again. But the original idea was a good one. No matter what goes wrong, we’ve got to power through it and put on a great show.
Do you ever feel like that saying must be used in the greenrooms of churches? I remember sharing a few sermons or teaching a few Sunday school classes with a guilty conscience because that’s all it was… a show. No matter what’s happening in the personal, spiritual life of the worship leader… the show must go on! Whether the pastor has heard from the Holy Spirit or not, he’s got to deliver the best sermon he can muster up… the show must go on! Because if it’s not a good show, our attendance will drop. And if that happens too many weeks in a row, we’re all out of jobs. So whether we like it or not… the show must go on! I know a number of guys who put on such a skillful show, that character or connections with God don’t seem to matter. (I also know a ton of guys who do this with great character and integrity, so please don’t try to guess who I’m talking about.)
So I’ll pose this question that I’ve heard in the last few weeks… if this Saturday the Holy Spirit stopped speaking altogether, how many churches would know on Sunday? Could you honestly tell the difference? Would the program change? Or would everyone file in, observe, enjoy the talent, and file out just the same as the week before?
God has been challenging me with this, “When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church.” – I Corinthians 14:26 Is church supposed to be observational or participatory? Am I the one to preach every Sunday because surely I’m the only one whom God has shared something with that is meant for the body of Christ? What if everyone came to church having sought God all week for what He wanted them to share with the group? How would that change our dynamics as a group? What if God was the show, not humans?
Obviously I have more questions than answers.
In last week’s sermon at CCWC, I hinted at the very heart of our new church plant and what I’m truly passionate about. List here.
Found on the wall at the top of the stairs. Washable marker? Of course not. Red Sharpie.
-Jaclyn
Yeah. These were taken yesterday and today. (The 17th and 18th.)
-Jaclyn
Several months ago, a good friend loaned me the book “The Tangible Kingdom” by Matt Smay & Hugh Halter. It struck a chord in me about “being the church” not just going to church… and being a missionary where we are and in the relationships we’re in. Hugh and Matt have a great story and do a very good job breaking down for the reader what it means to create incarnational community… How to live your faith and share your life with people. If you’re interested in getting a good sense of my heart for this church plant, read this book. Also, you can watch this video… it’s a short interview with Matt and Hugh that will give you the basic rundown.
That same friend also introduced me to a guy on staff with Matt and Hugh named Ryan. He and I have hung out a number of times and I’m inspired by his mentorship. Last time we met, we discussed where I might intentionally spend time to build relationships with people in the culture. He coaches a 6th grade girls basketball team. I used to coach high school soccer, but it took too much time away from my family. What I’d love is to find a cultural niche that would enable me to make new friends AND spend time with my family. If you have any ideas, leave a comment. This week we met again and one of the things we discussed was evangelism. I asked Ryan if he suggested trying to share my faith with as many people as possible or waiting until I have a trusted friendship with people first. His answer intrigued me. His suggestion was to not “share my faith” but to live my faith and share my life. That a presentation of the gospel was often something that comes more naturally after someone has come close to me and therefore Jesus. So who is it that I need to invite closer into my life? Am I living my faith in tangible ways? Who is already close to me and needs to be invited into the Kingdom?
So what do you think… should we share our faith with people or live our faith and share our life?
An interesting, short video. I wonder what folks from Denver would say? Leave a comment about what your unchurched friends [might] say.
I was honored to preach half the message on Easter at CCWC. We began a series called Jesus in the Margins. Click here to listen.
One of my jobs for CCWC is to help plan service projects. I’m really excited about helping out with this one… I can’t take the credit for the idea, but I’m glad to help with the promo and stuff. Enjoy the flier and come if you’re in the area.
All the hours of laundry and cooking and cleaning and disciplining can feel so monotonous. I have a degree, for crying out loud! Isn’t there something more useful I should be contributing to society? But once in a while there’s a moment that sparkles so brightly it makes all of the mundane tasks seem to darken and shrink.
A couple days ago I was cleaning and Raya came into the room and said to me, “When I grow up, I want to be a mommy like you.”
I guess that may not seem like anything to blog about. But I still smile when I think of it. To me, it felt like a reassurance that I am not wasting my time during these years.
It’s also a bit sobering. If that’s what she wants, then I need to be sure that every moment of every day, I am the mother–and the woman–that I hope Raya will one day be.
