A few years on the game show Family Feud, the question was asked, “What do people look forward to most at church?” Here were the top five answers: Prayer (48), Singing (23), socializing and coffee (8), finding serenity (6), leaving (5). Though I admit the last answer caused me to chuckle to myself, I was saddened by the answers contestants gave, but actually didn’t make the survey: worship and preaching of the Word. The most disheartening part about these answers is the fact that I would imagine the same answers would be given by those who are “Christians and non-Christians.” Prayer is certainly something we should look forward to in church. Singing, however, is not. There is a drastic difference between singing and worshiping. Socializing is a part of fellowship, but it must not be a main reason we come to church; we are there for God, not Starbucks and conversations. I hope we find serenity, provided it is found in the arms of a God who loves us but also commands us to be holy. And if you look forward to leaving…well, we need to talk.
925 South King Street, Seattle, WA 98104