(Today’s entry is NOT about your nearby senior citizen lifestyle complex, or about Del Webb properties anywhere in the world. Instead, I’ve been thinking about how so many congregations are truly attractive.)
Over the years I’ve noticed that some congregations don’t think of themselves as attractive anymore. That saddens me, because that kind of thinking can become as self-predictive as it may be false. Even if our communities of faith aren’t flashy or entertaining, they can still be attention-worthy. The basis of my premise: In our times, spiritually discerning people are looking for depth, intimacy and wisdom for daily living. They want to find a home.
Most congregations can fill those yearnings. Most of us know that “Welcome!” is more than giving visitors a flower or cookie. We feel like comfortable places to stay for awhile. Most of us tell the truth about life. We challenge each other to get up off the couch and get God’s work done. We know how to take care of each other, including those newly arrived. Most of us are in this for the long-haul. Our faith communities are filled with ordinary people doing extraordinary things, including what’s behind-the-scenes. We’re not trying to prove anything. We aren’t faking success.
Our congregation leaders and pastors are overwhelmingly authentic, perceptive and bold. We care less about our eye-appeal and more about our heart-appeal. We insist on doing whatever is necessary to help the needy, comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. We send each other out into the world to bring God’s Good News directly to those around us.
All what I describe is attractive, at its deepest level. These Spirit-fed qualities of our congregations are appealing to folks who just want a place to settle—to be known by others as they truly are. When visitors and spiritually thirsty folks meet us, they’re relieved and eventually satisfied. Our congregations have attracted them into communities of belief and practice.
Yes, it’s possible that we’re still pleasingly beautiful….
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