Church like McDonalds
Upon arriving in my new location, Maryland, three things struck me within the first week.
- The heat.
- The food
- The religion
It is so, so hot here. My English readers may hate me a little for that, but I promise you I'm not enjoying the heat. The weather widget on my computer tells me it's going to reach a high of 35 Celsius. On top of that, it's humid. It means I hide indoors where there is the cool, dry Air Conditioning. I dare say it's necessary for productivity to be possible here.
Also, everybody eats out all the time. If you talk about lunch you're talking about fast food. People think I'm a little odd for bringing in a lunchbox every day (or a can of soup). Same goes for coffee. The Americans know how to make coffee. Nobody would drink instant. Unlike in the UK, filter coffee is not a luxury but normal - as it should be, in my opinion! But, there is always a queue at Starbucks and people will buy coffee rather than making it themselves. I found that odd.
This sunday I really went for the American food culture. I had to get to Church for sometime before 8 AM to set up, so I stopped at McDonalds for breakfast and picked up a cup of coffee with my Bagel (I enjoy bagels and the Americans are big fans, too). Then when I got to Church I realised that the snack bar had been laid out with... Coffee and bagels! I went around the corner for something I could have gotten for nothing.
Speaking of fast food, there are outlets for it everywhere. It's huge in this part of the country. People are too busy to cook and prepare food and so rely on a massive catering industry to hand them lunch. Drive down any main road and you will see gas stations with snacks, drive-thru's, diners, coffee shops, bars and restaurants. That is one of the biggest differences I have so far encountered.
So, I drive down one of the main roads, seeing the gas stations and food places on either side, when out of nowhere I see a church. And another. And another. I drive for a couple of miles down this road and there are churches on either side of the road. I might have passed ten of the things! Each one looked roughly the same, each with a sign out the front with a catchy, encouraging statement and sermon advertisement. Each one was a different tradition - half of which I'd never even heard of.
I don't think I'd ever seen so many churches in one place. The cynic in my grinned with sarcastic wit - noticing the fast food places nearby. Fast food places with their slogans, advertisements and signs outside. Remembered the convenience of Air Conditioning, I thought these churches with their many different ideas and theologies and programs could conveniently fit into anyones life.
You could go to any of these churches as find a different meal for your soul - whatever you felt like. If you didn't get enough from one place, you could always go next door. Customise your religion! 'Have it your way!'
The cynic in me is notoriously unfair and cruel, but at the same time I couldn't ignore the silliness of all this religion. The pastor in me (That's what I'm doing this year, a pastoral internship) felt empathy for all the Church leaders, each trying to be faithful in a culture which idolises the self and bends the world to serve the individual. Somehow, it seems Church has become this way too.
As I drove on from this place, I tried to put the cynicism to rest and remember that the ministers, priests and pastors who preach each sunday are trying to be just as faithful as me. Sometimes I think Christianity is made to look too convenient. Sometimes, just like I went to McDonalds, I know I become too settled in the order of the world and forget Christ's call.
“Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” (Peter, Acts 2:40)
Possibly Related Posts:
- The Church’s best kept secret
- Ian the cross-cultural missionary
- Over the pond
- What would you #tweetjesus
- In Jesus’ Name
The Church’s best kept secret
Dan Brown's book, 'The Da Vinci Code" has been sold, according to Wikipedia, 80 million times. It has propelled him into super-stardom as an author. Conspiracy theorists love the secret organisations he writes about and cynics believe everything he says about the Church. In fact I know some Christians who have been up in arms over the content of the book. Claims that Jesus had a human heir and the Church has hidden it for 2000 years.
These theories are all well and good, but Dan Brown has got nothing on what the actual secret of the Church is. The real biggie. The one truth that brings the whole institution down on itself.
Possibly Related Posts:
- Church like McDonalds
- Ian the cross-cultural missionary
- Over the pond
- What would you #tweetjesus
- In Jesus’ Name
Ian the cross-cultural missionary
I'm writing this five hours before many of my readers will see it posted! How strange is that? You see, I am in America, five hours behind England. I'll explain how I got here some other time, but I will suffice to say that it might have involved a TARDIS. Yeah, I'm sort of a Time Lord.
Speaking of Doctor Who, would you believe many people have not heard of it over here? Much less seen the wonder of David Tennant in the long brown coat? It's not exactly mainstream. In fact many aspects of British culture aren't mainstream. For example: Did you know Muse aren't a super-band over here? Last year they had to ride U2's coattails on a tour. No-one has heard of Mumford and Sons, either (but I promise to change that). Cars are all automatic (go-karts) and driving is more different than I expected. I mean, there aren't speed limit signs everywhere and no speed cameras.
In sum, this is a completely different culture to that of home.
Possibly Related Posts:
Over the pond
I'm off to America for a year, today.
Possibly Related Posts:
- Church like McDonalds
- The Church’s best kept secret
- Ian the cross-cultural missionary
- What would you #tweetjesus
- In Jesus’ Name
What would you #tweetjesus
Soul Survivor day 5
This week I’m promoting some resources in the Soul Survivor toolshed. Away from the ‘Big Top’, one tends not to see many exciting or unusual manifestations of the Holy Spirit. However, I am convinced that God is just as involved in what all these Christian charities and organisations are doing as he is with the young people in the main meetings.
So, whilst I am here I shall endeavour to learn the stories of some of the organisations around me.
As I sit in my little booth, above me and slightly to my left hangs a large banner. On it are the words "what would you tweet Jesus today?" Using many post-it's we have been asking delegates to write their responses. It's a great conversation starter and the stand is covered in tweets!
As this week had progressed and the teenagers have progressively become smellier and smellier and I have progressively become more and more irritable, I have enjoyed seeing what the young people have put up on my little wall.
It's amazing how open they are:
I could use your help, seeing as you’re awesome. Should I be Christian? I know you can help #tweetjesus
I don't know what story lies behind that and I don't remember who wrote it but in that brief glimpse into a person's heart, one can't help but feel compassion at their confusion but not without admiring the simplicity of child-like faith being birthed in them. It's funny, at places like this young people often begin to notice more and more the marks of New Life growing up within them. This thing which isn't them, but is with them and in them and doing something unexpected.
IOU for the other night, and everything else too. #tweetjesus
As strange as it sounds, I 'get' that one. I don't even need to know what miracle that person experienced, but I get it
But there are still miracles yet to be wrought
Hi Jesus, It’s me, molly. I want you to keep people going in the world, mainly my mum because she has cancer and I want you to fight it.
If Molly had told me this, personally, I would have no idea what to say. She didn't tell me, she told Jesus. Faith through thick and thin is faith which goes to Jesus for everything. What could I say to her, anyway? What wisdom could I possibly offer? No, it is better to go to Jesus and to be found by him in the midst of such anguish. Her words sit with all the others on my wall, the endless cries and shouts of the saints.
Praises of thanksgiving:
Thanks for walking in when the world walked out #tweetjesus
Cries of petition:
Please speak to me more often so I know I'm doing the right thing #tweetjesus
And the absurd!
Who's your favourite: Peter or Paul #tweetjesus
My favourite is this one:
Give me the strength to come to you. #tweetjesus
Peace.
Possibly Related Posts:
- Church like McDonalds
- The Church’s best kept secret
- Ian the cross-cultural missionary
- Over the pond
- In Jesus’ Name
In Jesus’ Name
Day 4 at Soul Survivor
This week I’m promoting some resources in the Soul Survivor toolshed. Away from the ‘Big Top’, one tends not to see many exciting or unusual manifestations of the Holy Spirit. However, I am convinced that God is just as involved in what all these Christian charities and organisations are doing as he is with the young people in the main meetings.
So, whilst I am here I shall endeavour to learn the stories of some of the organisations around me.
In economic downturn it is easy to become concerned with money. In fact, everything we see on the news encourages us to be so. Yet in many countries, that which is small change to us can actually make a big difference.
Compassion are here at Soul Survivor to promote their child sponsorship scheme. At small cost to us, we have the opportunity to transform the entire reality and existence of a whole family in the Global South.
What I love about Soul Survivor is that it's not all about Soul Survivor. It is an amazing platform for young people who love Jesus to meet people who are actually out in the world serving him! Compassion is a great way to connect with the lifestyle of Jesus, through grace-empowered giving. Compassion have a large presence here, running a café and a large stand to get the idea across. The big idea is this: Worship doesn't end in the Big Top. Worship is service and we serve God when we serve the poorest of the poor. It's like this week-long festival is a demonstration of the sort of life a lover of Jesus should expect to walk into.
Compassion are one of many organisations who seek to love those who are forgotten, speak for those who are gagged and lift the burden of the oppressed. It gives me hope that one day, maybe, the Church of Jesus Christ will be know again for it's humble and gracious service. Pray for the day.
Possibly Related Posts:
- Church like McDonalds
- The Church’s best kept secret
- Ian the cross-cultural missionary
- Over the pond
- What would you #tweetjesus
The bood of the martyrs is the…
Day 3
This week I’m promoting some resources in the Soul Survivor toolshed. Away from the ‘Big Top’, one tends not to see many exciting or unusual manifestations of the Holy Spirit. However, I am convinced that God is just as involved in what all these Christian charities and organisations are doing as he is with the young people in the main meetings.
So, whilst I am here I shall endeavour to learn the stories of some of the organisations around me.
...Seed of the Church.
I'm going to have to break my own rule a little. As I was sitting in the main meeting this morning, one of the guys speaking really caught my attention and I had to tell you all about it.
Possibly Related Posts:
- Church like McDonalds
- The Church’s best kept secret
- Ian the cross-cultural missionary
- Over the pond
- What would you #tweetjesus
Speaking up for the week
Day 2 at Soul Survivor.
This week I’m promoting some resources in the Soul Survivor toolshed. Away from the ‘Big Top’, one tends not to see many exciting or unusual manifestations of the Holy Spirit. However, I am convinced that God is just as involved in what all these Christian charities and organisations are doing as he is with the young people in the main meetings.
So, whilst I am here I shall endeavour to learn the stories of some of the organisations around me.
As I sit in my Scripture Union booth, I see across from me a very interesting banner. It is made from poster-paint print on a white sheet. Has that ‘hippy’ feel to it. In the middle is written the word ‘speak’ in a red pair of lips. On one side of the stand is a cardboard cutout of Mr Incredible, except he had Vince Cables head. Across from this, on the other side is a many-eyed monster - corporate abuse.
During a lull, I enquired about this stand.
The girl who managed the stand across from me told me a story. All around the world, faceless companies steal the strength of the poor for their profit. They neglect the humanity of their employees and demand more from them, than anyone should be expected to give. The poor cannot complain, or they will lose their jobs and they cannot leave lest they starve.
Possibly Related Posts:
- Church like McDonalds
- The Church’s best kept secret
- Ian the cross-cultural missionary
- Over the pond
- What would you #tweetjesus
Weddings
Tomorrow I shall be attending my second wedding of the summer. It is very exciting!
Possibly Related Posts:
- Church like McDonalds
- The Church’s best kept secret
- Ian the cross-cultural missionary
- Over the pond
- What would you #tweetjesus
The Decaff Life
Today I drank coffee. Not a noteworthy event in itself - I always drink coffee - but on this occasion I had a cup of decaff. Surprisingly, I enjoyed it. It wasn't instant coffee, it wasn't cheap coffee, it was made well, percolated and everything. Just like normal coffee. It tasted very much like your average cup of the bean juice, but with the major distinctive of lacking caffeine.
And I enjoyed it. I drank it like any other coffee and got on with my day.
Then it hit me. Or rather, then it didn't hit me. The warm rush of chemical energy coursing through the blood. That fuel which the average worker needs to get through the afternoon. It wasn't there. I was tired and groggy all afternoon! All because of my foolish decision to have a cup of decaff!
Now, it's entirely possible to draw from this that I have a caffeine dependance. You might be right, but that isn't where this blog post is going.
When I drink coffee I expect a number of things. I expect it to have a satisfying aroma, a deep, rich taste and a boost of energy in order to get on with my day. I got the first two, but not the third. Frankly, I was a little disappointed.
Upon reflection, I wondered to myself whether this disappointment extends beyond the realm of coffee drinking. Even beyond our consumption of products.
I call it the decaff life.
It's the life we lead when we miss out on the stuff we could attain to. The relationships we have without intimate companionship. The success we have in our jobs without the ability for our achievements and advances to impact the widest range of people. The happiness of being with a special someone without the boundless joy of knowing they will be there forever.
The decaff life. My description of it is limited.
What is coffee without caffeine? What is sex without love? What is money without the opportunity to bless others?
Can we be accused of missing out on life?
I fear we are often unaware of the richness of the experience of life which is available to us. I know I am somewhat ignorant. When I go to a fast food place I always know what I'm ordering. I never choose anything different! I order the same drinks at the pub. I always know where I will shop and there's only a few places I will fill up my car.
Granted, there are good reasons for some of these habits, but the point I hope to place in the front of your mind is that there is something more available.
What you might have read here in the past is my exploration of that 'something more', as I perceive it.
C.S. Lewis explains:
Possibly Related Posts:
- Eyes of Faith #1
- Church like McDonalds
- The Church’s best kept secret
- Prayer
- Ian the cross-cultural missionary
Welcome
What's new?
Recent Comments
- Lorna
on Eyes of Faith #1
- Alex
on Church like McDonalds
- Amy S.
on Ian the cross-cultural missionary
- Sally
on Ian the cross-cultural missionary
- LeAnn
on Ian the cross-cultural missionary
Eyes of Faith participants
Blogroll
- 22 Words
- Alex Taylor
- Ali Johnson
- Amanda Booth
- Bx Belshaw
- Desiring God
- Hannah James
- JR Woodward
- Patrick Malone
- Stuff Christian Like
- Wild Goose Hunter
- XXXChurch