I came across this meetup group recently while browsing for groups in my area. The name of the group is "Relationship over religion: Christians tired of church". Hmm, sounds interesting. So I continued reading the description, which goes as follows, and i quote…
“Whether attending church regularly, periodically or no longer attending at all, many Christians are coming to the conclusion that "church" can be spiritually unhealthy...breeding religion rather than helping people experience a growing and authentic relationship with Jesus and others.
People are turned off by church for various reasons. Can you relate to any of the following?
* A lack of community- you've attended church for years but have little to no relational connection with others.
* Were told that the answer to developing authentic relationships was to join a small group, only to find that the small group was structured similar to a church service, with little interaction or member participation.
* Church services are more of a performance rather than an authentic spiritual expression.
* Tired of being lectured in a one-way communication environment.
* A legalistic, performance based environment rather than a Christ-centered, grace based environment.
* You experienced or witnessed some form of spiritual abuse.
* Judgmental attitudes on peripheral things such as dress, tattoos, alcohol, entertainment, etc.
* Difficult questions and divergent ideas are suppressed and seen as a threat to leadership.
* An inordinate focus on sin, with minimal focus on New Covenant realities (i.e. our identity in Christ, the preeminence of Jesus, walking by the Spirit, etc...).
* A lack of sensitivity to the Holy Spirit.
* A lack of love expressed, especially toward those who aren't Christians.
* Manipulative teaching on money and poor stewardship of it. Investing in the institution rather than people.
* Were marginalized because of divorce.
If you're a Christian who isn't into the church scene, or becoming increasingly weary of it, this group can help you connect with others in the same boat. Whether it be a social get-together, an outdoor activity, a volunteer opportunity, or an open discussion on a portion of scripture at a local coffee shop or pub, we can all have the opportunity to express our thoughts, grow in our faith, encourage each other in our walk with Christ, develop authentic relationships, and have fun in the process! This is not a group of "church-bashers" but a group of people who, based on their own unique experiences, have decided or at least considered the possibility that there are more fruitful places for them to be than church.'
And there I un-quote. And there I am left with questions. Mainly the question that remains in my head is, What is happening to our churches? What is happening to the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ all over the world? I think the very fact that such a group as this exists, shows us that we are in a time of transition, and that there are needs being unmet, and that we need to wake up and figure out how to meet the needs of our Church family members before we fall apart as a Body.
Here’s what I see as the transition. Growing up, I attended a very formal, structured, non-emotional, denominational church. There were rules to follow, creeds to recite, classes in catechism and pre-communion and confirmation of faith. I grew up fairly well grounded in my faith, but more on a mental level; my soul and spirit were left hungering for more. I found the need met at summer church camp, where singing praise songs around the campfire at night met the need for real, meaningful worship, and talks from counselors met the need of real life lessons of faith, applying the Bible to what was real to us as youth. Returning home and back to our home church was always such a disappointment, as I never found that real-life connection in my stuffy church environment.
Then came the outbreak of the new “non-denominational” churches and the use of more contemporary music in services. More and more people began leaving their traditional churches and jumping into these churches known for their more upbeat, passionate music styles and relevant messages. The feeling was great, and the advent of small groups and support groups for all kinds of needs has been advantageous.
Then why the need for this type of meetup group, already about 250 strong? Couldn’t this be a dangerous thing, a floating group of non-certified, un-ordained Jesus people getting together and talking about the Bible and interpreting it however they wanted? Well, yes, I believe there is reason to be cautious about such groups; especially where people approach them with the attitude of a disgruntled ex-church attender, one who wants to make up his own rules and rebel against the ways of the formal church. But on the other hand, I can’t help but think about Jesus, and his “church”. Did he religiously visit the temple every Sabbath, worship to a certain style of music, attend small group meetings and potluck dinners? No, of course not. His ministry was more of the traveling evangelist. But even he and his disciples seemed pretty informal, too. I don’t know. That’s my answer. And I don’t think any of us really do, either. We have the Bible. That’s what’s important. If this meetup group becomes a “church” for these people, and the name of Christ is glorified, lives are changed and more people set free from sin and bondage, then hallelujah!
Personally, I think I can relate to the concerns and needs of this group of “outsiders”. Finding community that meets my relational needs, the needs of a family with children of varying ages and social/emotional temperaments, and most importantly teaches the Bible consistently and in a way that draws people closer to Christ, is a challenge. Finding a place of worship where I can be free to express my love for God musically without being distracted by the sophistication of the technicalities, or feeling jealous or intimidated by the rock star persona of those onstage, is another challenge. (Honestly, I'd much rather see a church meet outside around a campfire, in a circle, totally unplugged, of course, with no stage to elevate the worship leaders. I loved "leading" worship as a camp counselor myself, years ago, where sitting on a log closest to the fire was only so I could read my music by the light of the campfire and to be heard, not seen) Learning and growing in a Bible teaching environment without feeling judged or condemned by those who do not understand my situation can also be hard for me, being an introvert and not finding large group preaching sessions the best facility for growing in my faith.
So I wish this group the best, just as I also am hopeful to find the right niche for my own faith-growing experience.
and that’s my ramble for today.
