#Rethink - April 2020
#Rethink - April 2020
Hello April! This month we are pondering the church vs the Church, bringing awareness to the epidemic of narcissism within Christianity, and learning to rest well.
How has church distracted us from being the Church?
It's been over a month since I have physically been in my church building, and these last five weeks have given me plenty of time to question some things. So much of our American church experience revolves around preaching, programs, and productions. We have created a spectator sport even as we bemoan a lack of dedication and involvement. But suddenly it's all gone and we are left with questions.
What really makes up the Church?
How does the way we identify with an organization potentially minimize our identification with Jesus Christ?
In what ways has the corporate church literally become a corporation or business?
When we can finally meet together again, what extras need to go and what necessities need to stay?
I am not suggesting that we abandon our church buildings and local communities, but I am encouraging all of us to dig deep into our own hearts. We, like many well-meaning religious people before us, have added human trappings and traditions. Perhaps this time away is a blessing in disguise. Maybe the Church is growing while not attending church.
"Why does narcissism seem to thrive in our churches?"
This sentence leaps from the back of Chuck DeGroat's new book. It's a question I have contemplated more than once on my blog and podcast. I've been waiting anxiously for Chuck's book to come out and it has exceeded my expectations.
Every Christian in every church needs to read it regardless of whether you have experienced church hurt or not. However if you have been wounded in a church or a Christian organization, then you DEFINITELY need to read this book!
Have you ever wondered what's going on with the famous mega-pastors and why so many of them are publicly falling apart? Have you questioned why controlling religious groups seem so similar? Chuck DeGroat exposes a dangerous phenomenon within our Christian community, one we have all witnessed on some level. Walking through various scenarios and examples, he provides validation and compassion to the victims while offering hope for the narcissists who wounded them. This book is seriously a game changer. You can order it here.
"Let my soul be at rest again,
for the LORD has been good to me"
Psalm 116:7
I did not realize that I had a problem with allowing myself to rest until we all got told to stay home for a month. Suddenly I had something that I didn't know what to do with...time.
I used to operate under the assumption that if I could physically fit something into my schedule then I should. And as a result, before COVID19, I was constantly busy; I didn't leave myself any margin for rest. In fact, rest almost felt wrong.
But now I'm only working part time. I have two whole days at home every week. I'm not allowed to go anywhere so I can't fill my life up with stuff. Do you know what? It took me a while, but I've actually started to enjoy it.
I've built puzzles (I forgot that I liked puzzles), and I read a fiction book for the first time in years (I used to be a bookworm). My kiddos and I have explored trails at a local nature preserve. We even found a pond full of chubby tadpoles one day. I've baked and cooked again. We've had bonfires in our backyard. It's really nice. I feel rested even amid the craziness of this pandemic.
When this is over and everything goes back to normal, I want to keep this lesson of rest close. I want to turn my should's into could's, as in I could do that instead of I should. I want to continue to give myself margin. Rest is a beautiful thing!
Thanks for taking a moment to #Rethink some of our religious traditions and beliefs. I know that it can be scary to deconstruct and reconstruct our faith, but finding the Real Jesus is absolutely worth it. As always, I'd love to hear your thoughts, questions, or comments.
If you know someone who would love to #rethink, please share!
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