There is much conversation these days about the renewal of the church. Certainly for all the good that comes from the church’s existence, there is a great blessing for the world. At our best, the church comes through in time of crisis, as well as comfort and direction for those wondering about life’s purpose. Yet something is missing from Christian congregations across this country. We’ve been about much good, but our sins and shortcomings regularly overshadow a positive presence.
Some generations perceive the church as irrelevant, they don’t need it, and they can live good and fruitful lives without a church connection. Sadly, I’d have to say in many ways they’re right. For we in the church it is extremely easy to position the blame on those who are missing, but is that true or even helpful in the conversation? Lately we at Olivet are engaging in the conversation in order to reinvent and renew our community and make meaningful connections. It’s not easy; sometimes we have to hear things about us that we’d rather not hear or admit. Jesus, it seems, was about this very thing; confronting the leaders to make fundamental and significant change. Not just for the sake of change, either. Jesus went straight for the heart both of the believer and the religious institution. His intent was to change, transform and renew for the sake of the world.
I’m hoping we can all listen with care and compassion. Not, (this may sound weird or even, dare I say, heretical), for building up the church, but for the sake of those whose lives may be gracefully impacted by Jesus’ love. What do you think? I’d love to hear more comments and ideas.
Peace,
Kris Gorden
Hi Kris,
Perhaps it’s not what’s MISSING in any given congregation, or Olivet per say, as what we aren’t SEEING. Seeing in each other (spiritual gifts, God’s love) and seeing need in the people of our community (Fargo- Moorhead and surrounding areas).
My brother and I used to play a game as kids that we’d block out all the light going into our basement and play a ’stealth’ type game of hide and seek. You couldn’t see a thing, but you could hear the other persons breath, or stumble and laughter. It was a great game, but it was tough to remember where you were so you wouldn’t accidently burn yourself on the exposed hot water pipe!
Sometimes in our relationships with each other it seems like we’re moving around in the pitch dark, knowing each other is there but not sure where to find each other. We can hear or sense each others breath, but are cofused as to what is our common ground and will we accept each other as a valuable part of our community. Fear keeps many from moving around in ‘the game’, wouldn’t want to get hurt on the the, uhh, hot water pipe (I’m actually talking about feelings here), but when you risk standing still in this game, you risk never finding each other, and what fun is any ‘game’ without laughter, love and connection? I might add the game was always best when we had FRIENDS over!
So I’m not suggesting to block all the light in the Fellowship hall and having a free for all game of tag, but perhaps, finding ways to let each other make our own presence, God’s presence, known. Allowing an amazing congregation breath its life into its community in Christ’s name. Letting each other be who we are in Christ, and developing ways TOGETHER, EVERYONE, not just the ‘leaders’, to turn the lights on. I’m just suggesting that we may not need a church to build a relationship with God, but we need an ENTIRE congregation to build a church, a community that shares the same faith and vision to make our greater community a better place to live, and we all have an essential, CRITICAL part to play in this ‘game’. The cool thing is we’re in it together and if we LOOK deep enough in each other’s heart we’ll find the relationship with God we all are searching for, and those around us will take notice and stop in to see how great church can be!
Love is contagious.
I agree with Cindy (“Letting each other be who we are in Christ, and developing ways TOGETHER, EVERYONE, not just the ‘leaders’, to turn the lights on.”) Everyone needs to work together and be part of a process, not just the same people over and over being asked to be on all the committees where plans are made and discussed.
I have NEVER been asked to be a part of something where I can voice my opinion within Olivet. Start inviting “the outsiders” or “unpopular” or “quiet” members to be a part of a group who have never been ASKED or INVITED before. You just might be surprised. I’m hurt when I see someone who has just joined Olivet being asked to be included in events, and those of us who have been members longer seem to be ignored or forgotten or overlooked. We need to be valued also. We need to “let each other be who we are in Christ.”
With the capital campaign happening, there should be lots of opportunities for volunteers. How were the current task leaders chosen? Why didn’t the congregation as a whole hear about these opportunities?
I often hear at Olivet that where you put your money your heart will follow. But I also feel that if a person is not included in something that they want to be a part of, they won’t give their money to the cause. I have read studies that show the more people are given the opportunity to volunteer their time for a particular organization or cause, then their monetary giving also increases. That is very true for me. If I am not “seen” as worthy to be part of a cause in terms of time, not to mention worthy of real conversation, then I feel I am not worthy to give my money. I put my money where my time and opinions are “valued.” Right now that is outside of church.
Why have I not heard (let alone invited to be a part of) that Olivet is engaging in conversation in order to reinvent and renew our community and make meaningful connections? Why has there been no follow through with the spiritual gifts inventories? That was going to be the major theme during Lent, yet I have heard nothing on the subject.
“Yet something is missing from Christian congregations across this country”. Maybe we need to start by truly “seeing” and “listening” to everyone in our congregations. That could be the starting point for the renewal of the church. How can there be renewal when not everyone is included and valued? Cliques do not belong in churches. Cliques only bring renewal for that particular group, not the church as a whole.
Thanks, Cindy and Jane, for your thoughtful responses. The church certainly hopes to include and value everyone. In that same light, every organization hopes to do better. It is indeed my hope and desire to see connections and opportunities to serve are discovered by all who seek to be part of a community, particularly here at Olivet. This is what we’re seeking to be about…we’ll keep trying as we celebrate the good and strive to change any rough areas.
Somehow i missed the point. Probably lost in translation
Anyway … nice blog to visit.
cheers, Dividends!!
Olivet has been a great church for my wife and I, but I would like to comment on the statement made by Jane. If I were called and asked to volunteer my time, I would probably do so. Thus far, that has not happened. Although it would certainly strengthen my feelings of community with my Olivet family, I am not that concerned because they obviously have the bodies they need. If Olivet is happy with my participation level, then I am happy. At some point in the future, I may actively seek to participate, but Jane does not make it seem very easy to volunteer.
I do not necessarily think this is unique to Olivet, but to many charitable organizations. I have offered my time and services to a few charitable organizations in the area over the past few years, and it sure does not seem that bodies are the main need. I have had several organizations not return emails etc expressing my interest in volunteering. I even got to the point where I thought about venturing out to start my own charitable organization.
Since then, I have found an organization I am doing some work for, but it really was not the easiest task. In summary, it should be easy to volunteer but I am not sure if bodies are the main need.
God Bless!
The point, interestingly enough, is that to truly connect with God and each other, two basic needs in a christians life, are interconnected.
Religion, volunteering (civic or religious), Bible study and living everyday life are all components that enrich that relationship. My experience has been ignited by the Olivet community. Because I WAS called, AM called to do all of the above within this community in the here and now.
I am all I have to give, and freely offer it, often, over and over, and sometimes I just do stuff anyway… not to put my name on paper as having helped, not to prove anything to anyone else but because I enjoy it. It’s a Love thing.
Loving the Lord my God, Loving my Neighbor, Loving my family, Loving my community…. because THAT’S where the Christ in me goes to work!
Igniting this, inside AND outside the the ’sunday box’ is the whole point.
If I were to be lynched, whipped, hung on a tree and stabbed after living a life without sin, I would certainly hope that the very people who claim to ‘get it’ wouldn’t keep it to themselves!!! We’re in the same community here, lift Him up! Make those conversations, take care of all mankind, including our community.
Thank you Pastor Kris for getting this conversation started!
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