Today marks four weeks that we've been in Bahrain. Three of the Fridays we attended church services at two different places. We haven't settled on one yet.
I'm sure it's theologically incorrect to talk about church hunting or church shopping, as that implies that it's about us and what we like, versus choosing an appropriate place to worship God, but it feels like shopping or house hunting. Decisions, decisions.
To this pastor's kid, church is supposed to feel like home, but it never does at first (naturally). So I'm left wondering,"Is this the one? I really hate the paint color (the way they take offering) and I was really hoping for a place with bigger bedrooms (different style of worship), but the kitchen (preaching) is perfect. Maybe the rest will grow on me?" As a result, going to church these days feels less like worship and more like nitpicking. In Oman, since the only choice at The Church was between traditional or family service, we just showed up and it was what it was. And just like a real family, you love most everything about them and ignore the few things that bug you because that's what you do with family.
But here we have to (get to?) pick our family, which isn't any easier than picking a place to live. I thought the place we went today might be a good fit, except for one problem: it has a split personality. I know this isn't a fluke because it happened both times we attended. The service begins with stereotypical non-denominational praise music. A little Chris Tomlin, some David Crowder, some light drums to accompany the guitar . . . white people music. After 3 or 4 songs someone prays and the musicians and singers sit down. Then an entire new crew takes the stage. A gospel choir and director. I'm suddenly transported to Shiloh Christian Fellowship (a reference which will only be meaningful to my immediate family), complete with gospel sway and lots of "Amens!"
I get that they are probably trying to appeal to a wide variety of worshipers, but it feels so divided. I wouldn't mind nearly as much if the same musicians/vocalists incorporated both types of songs into a single set (presents a blended, unified worship team) or did a one week on/one week off music rotation. What I'd most like to see though, is a church that picks a style and owns it. I don't even care what style it is (as long as it's not a cappella hymns where they sing all the verses -- totally not my thing).
We're still homeless and churchless, but getting closer to finding where we fit . . .
5 comments:
Dude, it has been almost a YEAR since we left our church, and we're still 'shopping'. It's SO frustrating. And exhausting. We kind of have 2 front runners, but there are things about both that drive me nuts. And Steve has been working 7 days/week for almost a year (mostly, he has had a few weekends off), so trying to make a decision when he's not even there to experience it? Torture.
Anyway--I feel for you. Praying that God makes it clear to you where you belong. xoxoxo
Very descriptive of the dilemma you face. Your analogy to figuring out how to relate to home and family is not only experientially accurate, but theologically correct. So many walk in to TLC and say..."I'm home." Now just getting the sisters and brothers to leave it on the same station...that's another story. Yay..."LOVE TEMPLE!"
Would be interesting to know the backstory. Could you find a polite way to ask, "How in the world did you end up like THIS?" I appreciate your dad's remarks.
Ha, ha! I was THIS CLOSE to writing Love Temple instead of Shiloh!
Gwen, I probably could . . . but I have to decide if I want to invest that effort first. I think there are a few more places on the list to try.
Amanda, a YEAR? That sounds horrid. One time we moved I was pregnant (and not well mentally) so I told Josh to go church hunting with the kids and just let me know when they decided on one. I am not a good decision maker.
Uh, feel your pain! Not a fan of church shopping either. Hope you find one soon.
K
Post a Comment