Navigating the "Gray" Areas in our Microchurches

Does theology have gray areas? When we study the scriptures and have different opinions, is that a gray area? Is there a clear line between right and wrong? I recently talked with a friend about the importance of fostering dialogues between people with differing views. Instead of shutting down conversations, we need to deeply understand and engage with others, even if we disagree. Drawing from biblical examples, like Paul's approach in Acts 17, we need to start with where others are, rather than where we are. This is way more missionary-ish. Way more redemptive. It will lead to more meaningful and gracious interactions. This approach can transform not just personal relationships but also the broader cultural climate within our communities.

00:00 Introduction: A Conversation with a Friend
00:13 The Importance of Dialogue
00:28 Understanding Right and Wrong
01:31 Navigating the Gray Areas
01:47 Asking the Right Questions
03:14 Paul's Approach in Acts 17
05:27 Engaging Redemptively
06:12 Applying the Principles
06:42 A Vision for the Church
07:32 Conclusion and Encouragement
​

Mission Update: What I learned by visiting three small churches

In my travels I've visited three small conventional churches, none of them related, that all meet in old buildings which influence how they meet. Two of their buildings are old churches listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The other is an old Salvation Army, I think. Very cool buildings, but they don't work well for modern church sensibilities. And it's wonderful.

In two of them, the only access to the bathroom from the sanctuary was a double door near the stage. In both of them, there was constant foot traffic in and out of those doors. Kids in and out. Parents in and out. Handicapped people in and out. Visitors like me in and out. At one church, I watched as the pastor, who was preaching from the floor, had to literally take a couple steps back to let a man get by on his way to the bathroom. Haha. 

And it was all very endearing.

The lack of a polished worship program is exactly what the American church needs. But even more important than what these little churches didn't have, is something they did have. 

Each church sang songs together, and had a sermon. But in the middle of the singing and preaching, they did something that's become a throw away time for a lot of churches. It's that time in the service that most larger churches try to program for efficiency, or eliminate altogether. And yet, each of these churches spent a good 30-40 minutes in it! And it was a strength for them!

In larger churches we think of it as "The Announcements." But for these churches it was the "Prayer Time."

Now, I say this as one who programmed larger churches for 22 years. And as tempting as it is to talk about it as a heart issue, I really think it's more logistical. Big crowds can't do what these churches did. In these churches, where the largest had probably 50 or 60 (maybe 80?), and the smallest had 20 (maybe 30?), they took time to talk through the needs and interests and events of the church, and then to spend time praying for them.

It really was the sweet spot of the service. 

And I say that as a worship leader and a preacher.

Don't get me wrong, the singing was engaged, and the preaching was on point. But I actually don't remember the songs we sang or the sermons I heard. They were good at the time. They served their purpose. But what I remember is stories people shared. And even more importantly, the patient care that was given, and the prayers that were prayed.

I was encouraged. And I want to pass it along to you.

In our microchurches, we have that same baked-in sweet spot! We share a meal together. We have intentionally not made it a sacramental type thing (although I believe it can serve that purpose). We just eat together. And we listen to each other's stories, without any other agenda than to be in fellowship with each other, sharing a meal together. It's our sweet spot where relationships are formed.

My hope is that our prayer time have that same conversational flow. I'm not saying they don't. I'm just saying, let's make sure they do. When you take time to pray, be patient in it. Don't rush it. Take time to talk conversationally, and listen slowly, and pray with your feeling as well as your thinking. Make sure prayer time is care time. 

Like I say, larger churches just can't do this. It is what it is. And yeah, perhaps if they started doing it they wouldn't be as large. But I don't think it's wrong to be large. I just think tiny churches have a sweet spot that we should hone in on -- the ability to be conversational, and patient, and prayerful in our fellowship.

Be encouraged. And don't feel rushed. Take time. It models the love of Christ.

Amen.

Prayer

Thank you for your prayers and support. As I write this we are in Selah, Washington. Pray for a conversation I expect to have with someone this week who is intrigued by what we do. He said, like so many, "That sounds wonderful." And please continue to pray for wisdom and the Spirit's prompting in those with whom we've connected in Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Kansas, and Idaho.