Have you ever gone church-shopping? You know, where you check out a local church - slyly sneaking into the pews (or odd linking chairs) in order that you might assess and scrutinize this particular community of believers – in order to see if they’ll successfully meet all (or most) of the items on your “need-to-have-in-a-church” list? Honestly, my wife and I tried “church-shopping” once, but it didn’t last – we attended a few churches, but felt like each had their strengths – we wound up at McKenzie Towne Church saying to one another, “you know, even if I (you) didn’t work here, I would like to attend this church.” (That’s a good feeling) But, why did we feel it was right?
Truth is, I dunno?! I don’t have a list of “needs” or “wants.” I suppose I’d have to agree with the statement of faith and teaching (but that’s a given I’d hope – but, sadly, I’m sure many don’t consider this when selecting a place of spiritual nourishment and community). What things often peak on the proverbial church needs list? I often get the question, “what programs do you have?” (I always want to say, “none, we have ministries.” But that wouldn’t be well-received most often) Why are you asking? Are you looking for spiritual and parental assistance in raising your children, as a husband/wife, man or woman? Or, are you looking for a ministry that will serve as a baby-sitting service? What about the music and worship team – does your church have gifted musicians or the same woman pounding the organ for the last 45 years? Does you church sing hymns, and, if so, do you still have the big old hymnals or screen-projector? Now, dont’ forget the preaching. Is the Lead Pastor funny, relatable? Or, too funny, too relatable, that you don’t feel like he’s the “holy pastoral figure” you need him to be? Is he a he, or a she? And, if the message was given by a she, would that be a problem? How much scripture does the pastor use? Does he use the original Greek/Hebrew? What about the vision of the church – do they have one? And, if they do, are they following it? (Can anyone, other than the pastor and his wife, actually tell you what that vision is?) Should you come dressed up, or casual (maybe not too casual to wear shorts, but jeans are totally fine, so long as you have no stains on them) Can you get involved? Is there room to be connected in small groups, ministries, volunteering, or are they full up or, worse, desperate for anyone that you’re pretty sure you saw a homeless man checking families in at the nursery… How often is the budget communicated? Can you become a member – vote? If you disagree with the direction of the church, could you talk to someone (would it matter)? What efforts are being made to share the gospel? Is the church using clever signs to attract newcomers (“if you don’t the love of Jesus, you’re toast”), or are they confident that their loving community will simply draw in more people – the wooing of Christ to the lost.
Seriously, I could go on… For all the things that make the local expression of a church community unique from every other – what is worth searching for, and what really doesn’t matter? Honestly, I do not care what translation of the Bible my pastor uses (so long as he can read it without getting tongue-tied). I don’t care to vote on carpet colors and similarly petty items of the church business. I don’t mind if the greeters seem awkward – it’s an awkward job (poor Walmart greeters). I don’t mind if they use a screen or not. I don’t mind if the pastor is funny or not, so long as he is passionate for Christ, the lost, and God’s word. And I don’t care what the unique mission of the particular local church is, so long as they are being faithful to it – no church can do absolutely everything, nor should they try…
Unfortunately, I have so many people say they’re checking things out – church-shopping – and I wonder if they have a true idea of what they’re shopping for? If the worship team is not meshing, the pastor not knocking it out of the park, and the greeters having an off-day – is this enough to cancel out a community of believers? (Sometimes, unfortunately, yes… and that stinks) Not that everyone needs to be at McKenzie Towne. We should have a caption somewhere that reads, “if you want Jesus, but this isn’t your fit – we’ll help you find the right fit.” There are plenty of God-honoring churches in this city and we’re not competing – really. Maybe some stuff to consider, and a conversation to have, the next time you’re “church shopping.” Hopefully, you don’t “shop,” but rather continue being the local body wherever God places you.
