One of the deep challenges, recognized even by its proponents, of sundry church growth strategies is getting pew sitters engaged and involved. The challenge flows out of the fundamental contradiction between what is used to draw people in and where we want them to end up. That is, people are looking for worship services, styles that are modeled on entertainment, where we can come in, consume what we wish, and then head out on our way- much like going to the movie theater. No muss, no fuss, and sadly, relationships no more compelling than the relationships we have with those who sit in the same theater we sit in.
We want, by and large, to be left alone because such is safe. Relationships are messy things because they are combinations of messy things- sinners. The closer the relationship the greater the risk of pain. Superficial relationships can only create superficial wounds. Deep relationships, on the other hand, are apt to create deep wounds.
We want to encourage engagement, the building and blessing of community, however, precisely because superficial relationships provide only superficial rewards, while deep relationships provide deep rewards. While we may lose big when we bet big, we know for certain we cannot bet small and win big. Are we left then to divide ourselves between the risk averse, alone in the corner, and emotional adrenaline junkies alternately embracing and brawling?
The answer, like the answer to everything, is the gospel. The work of Christ on our behalf is not only the means by which we have peace with God, but the means by which we have peace with each other. The gospel begins with the recognition that we are sinners. Not mild sinners, polite sinners, not mere violators of accepted social conventions, but maimers of one another, selfish, slanderers, real sinners. We are the ones others are afraid to draw close to, because they wisely fear we might hurt them.
But Jesus. He forgives us, and having been forgiven we are empowered to forgive others. We draw close to others not because they won’t hurt us, but because we know the answer to the problem of hurting each other. We repent and we forgive. We draw close knowing that those who would hurt us have already been forgiven by the One who has forgiven us. We draw close knowing that they know they are forgiven, and so will forgive us when we hurt them.
Better still because of Jesus we know that all that we risk in our relationships is small potatoes. Our treasure is in heaven, unable to be stolen or tarnished. When my brother hurts me, I remember my Elder Brother loves me and forgives him. When I hurt my brother I remember my Elder Brother forgives me, and loves him. We have both been given the Holy Spirit, whom He called “another comforter.” That comfort carries a dual meaning. It soothes us when we are in pain. But it also literally means, “With strength.” It strengthens us to return back to the danger zone, which is where the reward is.
I have long resigned myself to the embarrassing truth, despite the ease with which I can address large crowds without fear, that I am an introvert, that I prefer to be alone, safe from danger. I’m asking my Lord, however, to help me take risks, that I might find reward. And better still bring reward to others. Lord, open me.
