cleaning thought

Emerging CGGC

(I don't know what that thing is at the top - never had it there before - maybe you won't see it)

I was doing my usual day-off routine of cleaning the house. That's what I do on my day off... I get up, dust, vacuum, clean bathrooms, do laundry, etc. My wife does most everything else, and besides, I actually kind of like to clean. It's my routine. it's a way for me to "put things in order"; a way to "line up my universe" so-to-speak (my office is a total mess though).

What I was wondering is... maybe I'm just a creature of habit; Or... maybe we all have a need to have something in our lives that we can depend on; that we can "line up"; something that makes us feel like "this is home" or whatever. And for a lot of people, cleaning isn't something they like to do (yes, I am a strange duck, I know).

So... is that what church life is for many people? Do you think that's why people are so resistant to change? We're throwing their universe out of whack; their 'thoughts about God'; maybe even their very faith? Is it wrong for church to be routine?

It seems resistance to change isn't just an old persons thing. I think it's everybody. Even people who like "doing things different".... if you change that, they don't like it.

That's why I like the idea of denominations and lots of churches. Because I think eveyr church meets somebodies need... need for God, need for community, need for a place to... be. I remember when we lived in Findlay, I used to love going to College First and hearing Dave Welker sing and lead worship. I really like old hymns and organ music. But other days I really like a blistering lead guitar and bass pounding my chest. And I guess maybe I liked knowing where I could go to get those things. Rather than going somewhere and wondering what their stuff was going to be like "today." I don't necessarily like people who like to try to please everyone. I don't trust them. But all that sounds so very self-centered; which it is; which is probably exactly like most of the people we're trying to reach - if in fact we are trying to reach out to those formerly known as lost - or anybody for that matter.

I think we (churches) need to find our niche, don't you? Some people anger me because they talk about what all the "BIG" churches are doing, and why aren't we doing those things. But then I think about the people that would never, ever go to places like that... and it makes me glad my little church exists.

But I think as cultures change... their need to be churches to meet the spiritual needs of the people. And we cna either plant churches --- which seems to be easier said than done. Or we can make drasic changes in our existing churches --- which is what I did, and I'm not sure if I recommend it or not; or we can be muc more "subversive" (to borrow a word and idea from Eugene Peterson), but I am not good at that because I struggle with the whole patience thing. Maybe it's alll good (like being naked - see earlier post).

Well, after reading all this... it sounds like I am talking in circles, and you guys are all going to accuse me of being like Rob Bell and contradicting myself (well, at least of contradicting myself). :)

I don't know... guess I'm just thinking out loud. Either that or I'm just trying to put off doing the toilets. maybe I don't like cleaning as much as I thought.

ps - is it okay if I just ramble like this occasionally? Please disregard if it's not. Or tell me to shut up. Or... okay, I'll stop.