We live in a culture where the vast majority of people, this means most churchgoers are included, get their theology and values from the music they listen to and the movies they watch. So, what should church be like? A movie theatre and a concert venue. No stained glass. No icons or symbols that have meaning which has to be explained.
When people go to church they become ridged, feel restricted and confused about what they are expected to do. You say, "I don't feel that way at my church." Then you need to crash a catholic or Lutheran funeral and see how free you feel to worship. That feeling of restriction is the way the lost feel at our church. At a concert or a movie theatre people tend to feel open, ready to laugh, ready to express themselves, and ready to receive something great.
So which way do we want people to come to church?
I have thought this for some time and it is part of the reason I am so frustrated with our building. When we build, I will make no apoligies for the fact that the building will not look or feel like a church. If you are hoping for stained glass, columns, and stone sorry.
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