GodBlog

Why can't it be good?

It's this simple - why can't church events be GOOD events?

In this country, we seem to have an abundance of low expectations for things that emanate from churches. We expect poor music, uncomfortable chairs, poor coffee and always POOR ENTERTAINMENT. That is, if there is entertainment at all.

In general, I sense churches are uncomfortable about prividing "secular" entertainment - unless, of course, it can be rounded of with a truly cringeworthy invitation for all non-christians to give their lives over to Christ. I have been at many such events, and I really wish I hadn't.

Imagine my surprise, then, when I discovered my current church had every intention of just putting on great social events - without any preaching of any kind. Ah, at last! Events I can invite almost anyone to. Sure, there are a few cards listing when services are, and the mildest announcement - but these events have no 'agenda' as such.

I see the advantages as two-fold (in case you're thinking -"So what's the point?"):

1) Great for people from church to meet up in a non-service setting. Good to simply socialise with friends from church and have a good time. It builds relationships and aid cohesiveness in the group.

2) People from outside the church can see that we are not from Mars - that we are just normal people who enjoy music and laughter, and who do not frown on having a drink at the bar.

I think this actually may be the most important evangelism of all - the offering of real friendship without a specific agenda. It only works, in my view, if the events are good ones - time for churches to throw off the mantle of the coffee morning, and put on the glorious rich clothes of great food, great music and superb events that people will talk about because of the quality and the fun they had.

Time to stop being apologetic about our church events, and to start shouting about them, I say.

Mother's Day

So, here we are at Mothering Sunday once again.

It's quite strange, now being married to someone who is a mother. It both reminds me of the gulf between me and my own mother and also cheers me to see a close relationship between a mother and her children.

It was interesting to note, that the church leader (John) mentioned those who had problems in their relationships with their mothers - and recognised that this could be a difficult day for some. I thought that was a very aware thing to say, and I appreciated it.

It also can be a tricky time for single women who have not yet married - perhaps especially for those older ones who wonder if they are going to ever be married. Perhaps harder to mention those.

Nevertheless, it was good to be in a service that wasn't just the usual sickly-sweet remembrance.