Perceptions

"Christians like to hear themselves talk. They are arrogant about their beliefs, but they never bother figuring out what other people actually think. They don't seem to be very compassionate, especially when they feel strongly about something." This is how one unchurched person described the Christians he knew. In fact, according to David Kinnaman in his book unChristian, 87 percent of young people outside the church said that the term "judgmental" accurately describes present-day Christianity. You and I would probably say that this is not true of us. We aren't judging people outside the church, we're just trying to help them see the truth that will change their lives. Maybe so, but we need to give fresh attention to how people are perceiving the church.
We live in a culture that values individual opinions. Everyone now feels that their voice is as valid as the next person's (ie: blogging!). In days gone by, people gave deference to "experts" in certain fields. Religion, politics, business, education, etc. There were the experts and there were the rest of us. The experts knew more than us so we valued their opinions over our own. Now, students are actually telling teachers "that's your opinion- you can't give me a failing grade because I don't feel I deserve one" (quoted in the book Generation Me). Now everyone is equal. So...how dare you tell me that what I'm doing is wrong! I am the center of the universe now- and my opinion is as valid as anyone else's. MySpace, YouTube, Facebook- they all cater to the individual at the expense of the corporate identity. And everyone who posts anything on those community bulletin boards feels- at some level- that there are people who will want to know what they think. Honestly, that's what I feel myself- otherwise, why would I post this blog?!
But here's the trick. How do we, as Christians, share an opinion about God, life, love, etc- even an opinion strongly supported by the Word of God- and not appear judgmental? Not totally sure...yet. But here's what I'm committed to: becoming more like Jesus, who said to the woman- "go your way, and sin no more", but also said: "neither do I condemn you" (Jn.8:11). There is a way to stand for truth, yet in a non-judgmental way. I am committed to shining the light of God's love, yet not trying to "fix" everyone around me. That will take patience. But I'm taking the long view with people. I believe that's what God does. That's what he has done with me.

beginnings

Here goes my first foray into the blog world...
I will attempt in this space to share some of my thoughts on life in the real world. As a pastor, it's my job to communicate the truth of God in a way that helps people come to know him better. I confess that I am not always sure how to do that. I can promise I will always be honest and share my heart in a way that is as transparant as I know how to be. I will genuinely value your feedback. If something resonates with you, please let me know. If you disagree with something I say, I want to know that as well. If you have questions about anything, I will do my best to answer them- and if I don't know the answer, I will say that.
I am aware that life can be complicated, and that sometimes we as Christians- and especially Christian leaders, can be a bit simplistic in our approach to things. I think we too often look for the easy answers, and too often resort to Christianese- repeating phrases and buzz words we have heard; sometimes not even knowing what we're saying. We also can be a bit insensitive to the needs of those around us whose lives and perspective vary greatly from ours.
In short, we need to listen more. I know I do.
More to come...