The discussion in Gospel Transformation last night turned to creating a culture of openness in our church family. We talked about trusting in the gospel so much that people could share stories of sin & struggle and stories of God’s work in their lives without fear of judgment and with full conviction that they would receive grace. This isn’t the first time I’ve heard this desire verbalized and there was a lot of consensus about it tonight.
My mind immediately went to Sunday morning worship time and how daunting it would be to create that culture there. I’m not sure that’s the best place to provide grace and support for tough issues. Wouldn’t we be just as much a family if that kind of care was happening in our home groups? I think so.
However, I do think it is possible for culture to change to such an extent that it does affect Sunday morning, and I just heard a story about how that can happen the other day. A friend of mind who is a minister witnessed something happen at his church that suggested a change in culture. Here are a few ways that came about that might point us in the right direction:
- Actions of the Leaders – It all started when my friend preached a series called No Perfect People Allowed based on the book by the same title. He is also the kind of person who will love, hug and reach out to anybody anywhere.
- Artifacts - This may be a hard part of culture to understand, but every culture has physical or concrete features that symbolize the culture. If you align artifacts with new values, you stand a great chance of changing the culture. If I remember right my friend and his leadership made a very simple physical move – they began to dress more informally on Sundays. Dress became an artifact of the culture communicating “Come as you are” to any guests.
- Rituals & Performances - Here’s what happened a few weeks ago. A young lady in an awful predicament responded to the message. She was broken. My friend announced that he was going to pray for her and he invited anyone who wanted to come down and gather around her during the prayer. Now get this: 75…75 people came down front! What just happened? They performed “no perfect people allowed”. Now, if that sticks and becomes a ritual, my friends, we have ourselves a cultural transformation in that church.
Those are some first stabs at it. What thoughts do you have about how we can create a culture of openness?
allencoker
Sounds like you’re on to some great thoughts, bro! Actually, it sounds like you’re talking about what’s been happening at Oaklawn church the last couple of years. I really need to read that “No Perfect People Allowed” book. Hahaa!
I thought I’d heard you mention no perfect people allowed when we had coffee the other day. Maybe we could read the book together.
Maybe the perceived “dauntingness” of Sunday AM is just that…perceived. You guys seem to be an open group. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying it could happen tomorrow…but don’t underestimate the power of Jesus in your people once this idea becomes tangible to your body of believers. I’ve seen other churches engage each other with cardboard testimonies as a way of sharing with each other during the worship time. Plot the course (with your Captain at the helm) and follow where He takes you.
Thanks bro! You’re always an encouragement and focuser.