the queen city epistle
Several weeks ago, I began praying for the city of Charlotte. Yes, in my ten years of living in the Queen City, this is actually the first time I’ve specifically prayed for the city of Charlotte. It started one morning when I read these words:
“Jesus pursued truth regardless of the implications or the consequences. He calls us to nothing less. He would have it no other way. It means to be true to the way of Jesus, you cannot follow with blind allegiance. You can never justify any belief or action where you consciously deny what is true, even if called to do so in the name of God.”
I’m embarrassed to write this - considering that I had been on staff part-time for 3 years with St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, 3 years on staff full-time with Charlotte North Fellowship and now 1 year on staff with Key of David Ministries. It still astonishes me that this is the first time I have ever interceded in prayer specifically for the city of Charlotte. Through these times of prayer, I have come to realize I love this city – all of it. So, some thoughts…
In a city full of new church plants, established churches and much religious activity, my wife, Naida, and I still aren’t convinced that more churches will bring about the character transformation that must happen in Charlotte. The language utilized to communicate and convey the aspirations of the majority of churches in Charlotte seems to me to speak of quantitative growth and not qualitative growth. Whether they are meeting in a sanctuary, worship center, community center, school, movie theatrer or coffee house, etc. it really doesn’t matter if people aren’t following Jesus. In Charlotte, there are plenty of attractive churches that fill the seats of established sanctuaries, schools and movies theaters with relevant talks, up-beat music and a casual atmosphere but what I’m finding less-and-less is followers of Jesus. The term “followers of Jesus” in and of itself creates tension more so with Christians than with non-Christians. Why is that?
Today, many of our so-called leaders and pastors lead our churches not like fathers and/or mothers, but like C.E.O’s. We’ve exchanged wisdom for charisma. We’ve exchanged truth for relevancy. We’ve exchanged character for talent.
Has style blinded the men and women of vocational ministry from the substance of truly following Jesus?
My heart yearns for a community that is satisfied in the simple, daily choice of learning how to be comfortable in their own skin; truly knowing who they are and who they are becoming; truly knowing who God intended for them to be. It reminds me of a magazine ad I recently saw for Hennessy Cognac. They quoted actor John Leguizamo when he said: “Great character is being able to be yourself.”
How many more churches will start that use the byline of being a ‘different kind of church’ when in reality they are simply more of the same. Real difference isn’t in style or structure, it’s in the small, substantive transformation of people who come in contact with Jesus. We are called to demonstrate and announce the changing power of Jesus in our lives. So easily can our attention get pulled away to other important things when we lose our focus on the only thing that is worth focusing on – Jesus.
Naida and I learned the change that is created when a group of people center their lives on Jesus. That’s the irony of this letter to you all. We love the communities we have been a part of but not as much as we love Jesus. We’ve realized that we have a calling and yearning for community, but not in the forms and formula’s that we are currently witnessing all around us in Charlotte.
Neither Naida nor I really grew up in church, so we only know what we know. I wish I could write you and tell you specifically what we feel called to other than following Jesus, spending time with friends and inviting others into that, but I can’t.
It’s time for real transformation. Not only in our own lives, but in our thoughts and prayers for our city, Charlotte. As God creates our new life, we begin to get fresh visions for not only our own lives, but fresh visions for meeting the subjective needs of our city. That’s true creativity. Creating new opportunities for creating new lives. In my mind, that’s the creativity on earth as it is in heaven. New life begets new life.
I love my city. Father show us your heart for Charlotte. Make us a new people to meet the new and ever changing needs of this city.
Amen.
posted by jazzchaplain @ 10:51 PM
3 Comments:
Right on, bro!
I didn't grow up in a church either. I was 27 before I found relief in Christ. It wasn't a pastor who introduced me, it wasn't a scripture, it wasn't a church building (big OR small). It was people. It was the selfless acts of people who got word that our family was in need, and showed up at the front door to give help. They didn't preach to me, they didn't explain why they were helping. They simply helped a family in need and thanked me for letting them do so. At a time when my life was driven by cynicism, the Holy Spirit sent missionaries of his own to say "Hey, y'know, there are some of us out here who aren't out to get you. In fact, we're out to give ourselves."
It was these people who moved me to say "Hey, what's going on with you people? Why are you so nice? Why do you feel like an oasis of peace in a desert of turmoil? How can I get what you have?"
Now, what does this have to do with church buildings and big congregations? Nothing. Frankly, I have a suspicion that large church congregations hamper the mission of bringing Christ to the masses. I wonder, when you have to deal with commitees, building plans, accounting the offerings, managing the staff and volunteers and other "church politics" how much time is left to just go out and love your neighbor?
You said: "I wish I could write you and tell you specifically what we feel called to other than following Jesus, spending time with friends and inviting others into that, but I can’t." Could it be that that's exactly what God wants you to do right now? You're spending time with friends (recharging your spirit). You're inviting others into that (spreading the word). Isn't that just what Christ did?
I can't recall a single scripture where Christ instructed his followers to build a building or organize a big static group. I do recall him traveling far and wide to talk to people. I recall him going to dinner with the whores and tax collectors. I recall him telling the followers to go out without even a cloak to pass the word. I remember the apostles going out in twos and threes to pass the word and circulate news among the early groups of followers.
So all in all, I agree with what I think you said. The buildings and the congregations may have their place, but they're not the final answer. In fact, it's not filling the pews that's going to change the character of your city, our country or the world. It's emptying the pews -- getting followers into the streets, demonstrating daily the love of Christ to friends and strangers and sparking others to do the same -- that's going to change our society.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I hope I haven't abused my welcome with such a long post. It's just that you struck a chord for me.
Alfred, may God bless your family and give you many opportunities to love and bless those around you today, tomorrow and to the end of your days.
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