The Groundwork Just writing the title gives me anxiety, as the word “pulpit” has a potentially negative connotation and can trigger a defensive reaction. I hope you trust me enough to hear (read) me out.
I do not approach this subject with any moral or religious authority. I have not been perfect (sometimes not even good), am not currently perfect, and will not become perfect. Nor am I a religious scholar.
However, I do have an abundance of experiential authority. In 2019, I attended services at 33 houses of worship of every variety (Russian Orthodox, Hindu, Islam, Jewish, Catholic, Letter Day Saints, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Bahai, non-denominational Christian, big/small, rich/poor, ethnic, racial, etc.).
Based on my observations, I developed new perspectives on faith, churchgoers, and the value of community worship. For this message, I assume you believe in God.
All Those Rules We can start with an obvious issue. Faith and religions are too often defined by burdensome do-good obligations and seemingly undue restrictions on pleasurable activity.
While religions and the Bible have “thou shall and thou shall not” edicts, they inspire virtuous activity and protect us from our own devices rather than serve as marching orders and restraints on enjoyment. When positively motivated, honoring your parents and speaking truthfully comes more naturally, and avoiding adultery and jealousy becomes protection from self-harm.
I found that faith principles are grounded in love – between us, God, and our neighbor. The message I received is God loves us completely, and when we accept that love, it transforms us into lovers of all. I believe this premise underpins all religious practices and theology. While scholars may correctly assert this summation is far too simplistic, I do not think they can prove it wrong.
The Church-Going Type
One obstacle to church attendance is the presumption church folk are self-righteous, judgmental, and unwelcoming to outsiders. There are church members guilty of this conduct, but they are like political extremists, few and not representative of the vast majority. During my church journey, the resident worshippers were unfailingly warm, inviting, and loving.
The positive response to your presence will quickly dispel any anxiety you may have about a negative reception, and you will enjoy the typical visitor benefits of preferential parking, glazed donuts, and coffee. If you do not receive the response you need, try elsewhere. It will not require more than three swings; you will not strike out.
Don’t Need It
Other arguments against church attendance are that you can be faithful and learn faith tenants without attending church services. While true, it ignores the benefit of a community that cannot be obtained alone or in a small faith/bible study group.
There is a sense of belonging, of being part of something larger than yourself, but not anything approaching a cultish bond. A tribe can make a greater impact on those within and outside of the church. You support each other along life’s journey like the aerodynamic force propelling each rider in a cycling peloton.
On Sunday mornings, I am like a child who cannot wait to go to Grandma’s house, motivated by desire, not obligation. I look forward to receiving faith-building guidance in an uplifting environment in the company of caring souls.
However, the community experience is not faith or a substitute for faith. Church participation should foster faith by developing your relationship with God.
Have I Done the Job?
My objective is to be helpful by sharing my observations and encouraging those hesitant about faith or community worship. I am not advocating for one religious denomination, even though I have hitched my wagon to one.
Many of my religion’s tribe may criticize my proselytization as lukewarm and not rising to the required level of evangelization, for I do not even mention the name of our Savior. My response is straightforward. Example is the most effective form of evangelization. If my life is not evidence of what I am and does not attract others to faith, my words will do no better. I hope this blog is an example and not merely words.
Thank you for “listening.”
