Church Searching - Part 2

Last time I talked about what we learned from our experiences at our old church and how we want to find a church with a healthy government and people who show love and grace to others even in hard times.


But there is more.


I think my favorite church experience was in college.  The worship was amazing, the people were really seeking the Lord, and the teaching was real.  The pastor knew that he had a congregation with way more college students than average, and he tried to teach on topics that were especially relevant to them.  But here's what I really appreciated; he didn't avoid topics just because they were difficult or uncomfortable.  He was not afraid to go to the Bible and teach its truth on controversial issues. He challenged us to look to the Bible as our guide instead of the culture that we live in.


Of course, no church is perfect and I felt that he sometimes tried to force his own personal convictions on issues and stepped into legalism at times. But he was real.  And I learned a lot and felt challenged to learn more about God while I was going there.


In our current church search, we have been to a lot of churches that seem watered down to us.  It's not that they don't teach the Bible, but they stay away from topics that are countercultural or that convict.


I think a lot of the reason is that seeker churches are so prevalent.  The trend seems to be that churches adjust how they operate in order to bring in more people that would never want to attend a traditional church. And if I put aside my cynical glasses for a moment and assume that they are doing it to reach more people for Christ (instead of just to gain more members and raise more money), it's not a bad thing. 


I am not against challenging the traditions of the church as long as you are using the Bible as your guide to what a church should look like and not culture.


But in an attempt to be culturally relevant and appeal to more people, churches are watering down the truth and avoiding topics that might scare people away.  And I am not OK with that.


Jesus repeatedly said things like


Care for the orphans and widows
Help the poor
Love your neighbor as yourself
Sell your possessions and follow Me


Jesus was not culturally relevant.  People couldn't figure out what on earth he meant.  His teachings made people angry and upset.  He healed the sick that nobody else would touch because they were outcasts.  He hung out with prostitutes and tax collectors. The culture of His day completely rejected Him and not many followed Him.  It was not easy to follow Jesus.


That is still true today. His path is not an easy one. It is not culturally accepted. And we can't pick and choose what to follow because it's just easier not to think about certain things. 

I know I have a long way to go in this.  I have studied the Bible my whole life but I am just now learning the importance of what Jesus taught. And it is going to take some sacrifices. And I am scared because nobody enjoys laying down their desires.


But I know that it is worth it.