So, I was called “churchy” yesterday. And by a church person! So, this post is for you (and you know exactly who you are).
The whole idea of churchiness made me think of the stats in Unchristian about the large number of 20-somethings in the church who feel the same way about Christians as 20-somethings outside of the church. My wife and I have thought about it and found that we definitely fall into that category.
So, I was pretty shocked to be called “churchy”. I have tried very hard to not be churchy. Where did I go wrong? Well, it turns out that I went wrong in assuming that I knew the intended meaning. I was way off.
It turns out that this person’s definition of churchy is one that I think I can actually be proud of. But I think the definition can be better. So, if you’re reading this, I’m challenging you to redefine churchiness, and live it out. Share a story if you have one.
Photo: SNL’s Church Lady
2 responses so far...
Thanks for posting, Jennifer!
I wish more people (inside and outside the church) thought of “churchiness” the way you do. Unfortunately, we’ve done a great job of demonstrating the other definitions of churchy.
I’m praying that the church can become - and be seen for - all it could, and should be, so that we can turn that around.
Blogs4God
You are right, “churchy” sounds bad but it was meant as a compliment. I wish it didn’t have a bad connotation. I think it has become uncool to really appreciate, need and like church, but I love my church. I define church as my family of friends who share a common love of Christ and struggle to figure out how to live out that love. Church is a group of people – flawed, messed up, selfish, giving, and loving people. We are so afraid of being one of those pushy, self-righteous, condemning church people that we try hard not to come off as “churchy”. I think there is so much focus on reaching out to a messed up world, that we forget that it’s ok to reach in to those in our church family too. There is a balance that seems to shift too far one way or the other in most church families.
Churchy stuff I love:
I love churchy people who study, think, talk, and write about their challenges to live as a disciple of Christ – learning from each other and allowing their vision of disciple to evolve. I love learning and growing from being around churchy people. Sometimes the only thing we have in common is our desire to follow Christ – and I love that too.
Churchy people who serve and love my kids encourage me. I know it’s my job to teach my kids about God, but I need help from my church! I have conversations with my son that we would never have if he wasn’t exposed to other ideas from our church family that sometimes reflect my perspective and sometimes don’t.
When I am completely overwhelmed by life, churchy people help me refocus, encourage me and give me an opportunity to take a break from the unchurchy world.
I know there are a lot of legitimate complaints about the institution of church – but I’m going to keep trying to live my life as a churchy follower of Christ. But just don’t call me “churchy” – that does sound bad!