Your Opinions on Church Needed (Repost)
This is for some research for a friend of mine who is publishing a book about the changing church and how "church" means nothing that it meant 30 even 20 years ago. After filling out this survey please let me know your age and whether or not you consider yourself a christian or not. (I hope this survey is balanced between both
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1.) I feel the church has failed me/been beneficial to me in what ways?
Before I start, I should emphasize that when I say "church" I don't mean just the building with a steeple. I mean a community of believers, which can be found in a church building, or a campus ministry, or a camp staff, or a prayer group, or other places. Church has been the source of my biggest joys and deepest wounds. In some places, I have found incredible community that has shown me Christ in a new way and deepened my understanding of and faith in Him. In other places, I have been hurt by incessant drama and deceitfulness.
2.) The church as a whole is effective/ineffective in our current cultural settings?
Depends on the specific church...but I feel that a lot of the stereotypical churches are out of touch with what is truly going on out there and what the battles are. I feel that a lot of church people have subscribed to the less-than-Christlike values of today, often making them no different than everyone else out there. To be truly relevant in today's culture, a church needs to have an awareness and understanding of what that culture is and a willingness to engage in discussion about it.
3.) I find church to be a real experience/a show?
I've been involved in many different churches and communities the past few years. And I've had many real experiences. But I've also seen a lot of shows. When I see the shows, I am less likely to come back. A real experience is open and honest and open to God's Spirit, not relying on huge emotional displays or manipulating people to do something.
4.) The church as a whole has its hand on the heartbeat of social issues/awareness or they have no clue what is going on?
NO CLUE. There are growing movements out there where some churches are taking these issues on and spreading awareness. But most places aren't. God's Word is full of commands to care for the poor and the lost and the broken and the lonely, but in many places I don't see that. It's difficult to hear, but it's a mission that churches desperately need to take to heart.
5.) The church is meaningful, somewhat meaningful, has no place in my life?
Extremely necessary, and meaningful. And as a future seminary student, it is where God has called me to work in some capacity.
6.) What turns me off about church is....?
DRAMA AND POLITICS. In so many churches, there are bitter battles over everything, usually because a few people in "power" want things to go a certain way. Everyone claims to have pure motives, but no one does. It comes down to the fact that we all see whatever church we're involved in as "my church." Maybe because we put a lot of time into it, or (more often the case) we have family history there or give a lot of money. Psychologically, we all have this desire to feel significant and important, and changes within an established system can threaten that. Whatever the reason, it turns the focus away from worshiping and serving God to dancing around to keep people happy. Last summer, a pastor I highly respect was fired through a secretive and deceitful movement among people who weren't willing to change some things or try a different perspective. They didn't like the fact that he voiced his opinion. They now have a new pastor - one who is quiet, says nice prayers, and does whatever they want. Whatever happened to God's love? To forgiveness? To unity?
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7.) What's more important...
I don't really like how those options are worded, so I will provide my own: a place that provides me with challenging opportunities for growth and the opportunity to build relationships both with my peers and across generations. I like good music, but if there is no substance or community, it's not worth it. At the same time, having a bunch of social outings isn't enough, either.
8.) My overall opinion of Church is...
I am an optimistic cynic when it comes to church. I have seen and felt the pain of churches gone sour. But I have also experienced God's love and joy through community with others, seen forgiveness and mercy extended to those within the community, and grown immensely from relationships I have built within the church. Church is far from perfect, and in some ways it's done more damage than good. But God loves the Church (capitalized on purpose), and community with believers is a necessary part of the Christian faith. It takes commitment and forgiveness and mercy, but there might be hope for the Church if believers are willing to follow where God leads and embrace the necessary changes along the way.
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