Last night I had dinner with a group of friends. Of course it seems like everywhere JaNonda and I go NEW FAITH is brought up in conversation. I think it’s pretty cool. It’s like the latest buzz around the city. I hear people say “Service was absolutely fabulous!” “I can’t wait to see what happens next.” “How did you come up with that thought or message?” “When are we going to see Cousin Bubba?” I see people with smiles. I can see joy in some that I have never seen before. I see the eyes of people from all ages light up when they talk about the changes they see others and marriages. Then I smile because it is a reflection of a generous God. God is in everything we do. I realize when I hear people talk of these things that I’m part of something bigger. Much bigger than JaNonda and I discussed.
Last night a friend said “Chuck, I never have the opportunity to fall asleep at NEW FAITH.” See my friend like any other guy when given the opportunity on a Sunday morning said “If I have to listen to a guy lecture me or scream at me for an hour I tune it out and eventually go to sleep.” He said that at NEW FAITH we always have something flowing and new coming up next. He never knows what to expect after JaNonda steps to the microphone located underneath that bright light at 10:30AM on Sunday morning. Will it be comedy? Will it be another gift giveaway? Will someone share what God has done or will it be a short film grabbing our heart to focus on Jesus? What real, beautiful or good song will be sung that will cause us to think of Jesus? Some may call all this entertainment.
I find myself engulfed in deep thoughts while talking with Amy. Lately, we have talked and agree about Entertainment vs. Reality. The NEW FAITH facility is not on a field, a campus or a shopping mall. We are located in a 6,000 sq-ft suite. We don’t have the stained glass windows or the pretty carpet. Our chairs are metal with padded backs and seats. We don’t have a high ceiling in fact it is only 9.5 feet covered with industrial strength plastic. The crazy thing about our place is that we have eight 4x4’s in our main room and we have to strategically place the chairs to face the stage. Our singers don’t wear robes. On any given Sunday you will find half of them wearing blue jeans. Though the best part is that most everyone that walks in loves it. The reason is because the “most everyone” we have is un-churched or church alienated. I’m realizing that if a person has been in church for any short time then our place is uncomfortable. Once are gathering starts they may have a difficult time following it because it doesn’t fall in line with their norm.
So now to the title: Entertainment or Real? The way we run our gathering is specific to the people God wants us to reach. With our people we have fun. To us our service is enjoyable. Our music, comedy and videos are relevant to our reality. To some (most churched people) it could be considered entertainment. To others (mostly un-churched) it is called engaging. I think we need to evaluate entertainment. It is our comedy and giveaways? Or is it the stain glass windows and choir robes in another church? Is it our relevant music and technology? Or is it the suits, dresses and padded pews in another church? Can we agree that we all are trying to do something for God? Our way may be different than most but it is working. If I’m guilty of entertainment then at least I’m upfront and real about it. I don’t disguise it. I’m having fun. How many Pastor’s can say that? It is real, good and beautiful to see God in so many things with NEW FAITH. Blessings. - chuck
4 comments:
Why not be real? In these times there's no time to judge those around us because we are doing something different. The way I see this is....being real shows your heart to those around you and there they see God's love. Don't just say something they want to hear. I see from TV shows and all those magazines why not be real? That's how it is now. I look forward to what is Pastor Chuck going to say this week? What can I apply to my life? How can I be real to God? What is He going to do in my life? I want to be reminded I can put my trust in Him. Thank you Pastor Chuck for always being real and sharing your heart.
I see the point you are driving. Ask yourself this question Chuck and the others that read this blog. Will the things you use cause someone to eventually focus on Jesus? This includes people and items. If so then keep running the course. If the services you have are not directing a focus to Jesus then check again. Shouldn't every Pastor ask themself this question? Not just you? Keep following the path God is leading you down. You are doing fine.
I don't think I would ever be able to go to another church. You bring Jesus to our community in a way that no other pastor could. Because you are real and truthful, you represent Jesus honestly--you, Janonda and the rest of New Faith show genuine, unconditional love for anyone who walks through those doors. No judgements, no glares, no uncomfortable feelings--just a feeling of "welcome to our living room--Jesus resides here."
I think that it is important not to put Pastor Chuck on a pedestal. I would not want to be in any other church in the world right now, don’t get me wrong, but there are many pastors teaching preaching and showing God's goodness and grace all over the world! Remember, Pastor Chuck is just a man. A man on fire for God, and desperate to share His goodness..
Post a Comment