Where is the love?

I recently had a conversation with a church who invited William P. Young (author of The Shack) to speak during a weekend service. Now, they're getting hit hard by some of their congregants. Hit hard with comments like "This author belongs no where near this building."

Really? Really.

We get this type of feedback at Granger every single time we touch anything secular. The argument isn't new news. It spans hundreds of years. I'm not interested in arguing an old debate. And, for the record...nobody asked me to. But, they did ask me this: "When you find yourself fielding this type of feedback, how do you respond? How do you cast vision?" Here's how I responded.

"It is always good to communicate a simple WHY behind WHAT. For example:

• This novel gives a voice to real, deep human longings. We’re going to explore the themes in this book to start a conversation about how the Bible, God, Christ and the Holy Spirit meets these real longings.
• We listen to mainstream songs and read mainstream books to observe the spiritual journey revealed in the lyrics and storylines. This book is no different.
• I also love what the president of Notre Dame recently said to the unruly Christian protesters who were bashing Obama when he came to speak at the ND Commencement ceremony (the protesters argued Obama shouldn’t be allowed to step foot on the Catholic campus because he is pro-choice). He said, 'You can't change world if you shun the people you want to persuade.' Well put.

So, keep it simple. Focus on the why behind the what: Love God, Love others. Keep open heart & mind to what we have to learn through the process. As Christ-followers, we do NOT have all the answers and Christ didn’t call us to be the judge and jury for the world. He called us to show them we are different because of our love. Some of these vocal congregants have just forgotten the main thing. You can help remind them."

I hate hearing about situations like this, and yet it happens all the time. I don't understand how a group of believers can get so agitated because the author of a fictional novel is visiting their church. Would they be that up in arms if JRR Tolkien came to speak about his fictional novel? Both authors have spiritual overtones in their stories. Neither author claims to be an authoritative theologian who is challenging Biblical foundations. (sigh) 

This recurring "issue" is one of the MAJOR reasons I look forward to the Innovate Conference every year. How DO you effectively leverage cultural conversations without compromising the holiness of your calling? It is true that grace and license are not the same thing, but we all need practical help doing daily ministry in that tension. That's what gets exposed at Innovate09.  

Comments

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nice blog, it's quite informative for readers.

[dave anderson]

I cannot WAIT for Innovate. I will bring another team from the dirty south. We missed it last year because of my work - I missed it the year before because of my illness. I wont miss this year unless im dead!

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Blogs are so interactive where we get lots of informative on any topics nice job keep it up !!

[Mike Cunsolo]

Great post. Thanks.

[Richard]

Maybe this was a lack of clear communication from the church’s leadership before the speaker stepped into the pulpit.

Most churches have a statement of faith that everyone in the congregation agrees to. When a guest speaker, who has made statements in conflict with the church’s core beliefs, steps in to the pulpit, confusion will be the result.

Normally, week after week the congregation is taught biblical truth that agrees with the church’s statement of faith. It is a shock to suddenly see someone in the pulpit from out in left field. “Is this an endorsement of this person?” Or worse, the congregation is asleep and no one notices.

If the leadership team invites a guest speaker that does not biblically qualify to be a teacher, based on the church’s statement of faith, the leadership team has the responsibility to clearly communicate why they are doing it and acknowledge the disconnect.

The extra communication effort is worthwhile as it helps the congregation better understand the reasons for the faith they have, not just a piece of paper they signed awhile ago.

[Michael Levitt]

I wonder how many of those that complained about having a secular guest speak, have secular CDs in their car stereos, or watch secular TV.

Thriving, growing churches look for ways to connect with as many people as possible, to demonstrate Christ's love for all of us, whether they read The Shack, Less Clutter. Less Noise, or both!

Know this: Granger is one of many great groups of gifted individuals expanding God's Kingdom. Keep the Faith!

[Sam Mahlstadt]

It's crazy the things we will stand against rather than learn from! you guys do a great job with Innovate, it was an incredible experience for our entire leadership staff last year, and many concepts and ideas are still being worked through to this day. Every church staff should go if at all possible.

[Jeremy Scheller]

well said.

[Jason Petermann]

Thanks for your comments Kem! There are some people that will never get past their own "spirituality" to see the needs of other people. Church has become about them, not others. When the focus gets off of us, and on God and others, all of a sudden our preferences and desires seem so small compared to the real needs of people. Loving God, loving others and serving both will keep us striving to do all we can to reach people. I appreciate all you and Granger do for the Kingdom and to reach people no other churches will ever reach.

[Terrace Crawford]

Wow. You just totally sold me on Innovate. I wish I could attend but I think I'm at my quota for conferences I plan to attend for the rest of the year.

Excellent post.

--Terrace Crawford
http://www.terracecrawford.com
http://www.twitter.com/terracecrawford