Our son’s first grade teacher had a saying: “You’re only bored if you’re boring.” When the students complained that something was boring, that is the response they would get. As parents, we really liked that message and we have adopted that phrase and still use it even though our “children” are 29, 26, and 18!
In response to an article about why people are leaving church, John Longhurst commented: “Evangelicals are leaving the church because they are angry. Roman Catholics are leaving because they feel betrayed. And mainline Christians? They’re leaving because they’re bored.” [The Christian Century, April 16, 2014, p. 9] While LUCC is quite liberal and progressive both in terms of social issues and theology, we are still what would be considered “mainline.” So, we would fit under the category of church that is boring.
Boring. That is one of the last words I would ever choose to describe Lakewood United Church of Christ. I think that part of why LUCC is not boring is because the congregation really is the church. It’s the people. And the people shape the worship, programs, activities, relationships, and character of the church and its ministries. The church reflects the interests, passions, and personalities of the people. The identity of the church is not shaped by a hierarchy beyond the church. The identity of the church is not dictated by a book or by tradition. The identity of the church is not molded by a pastor or a few leaders.
LUCC is an expression of its many members. This happens because each and every member is important and valued. The church tries to be egalitarian. Involvement and participation are valued. Suggestions, ideas, and opinions are readily shared. The church also tries to be open to new ways of doing things and new initiatives. This also involves a willingness to let things go and experiment with change. With a mix of personalities, perspectives, backgrounds, beliefs, experiences, gifts, and graces how can the church be boring? When everyone is the church it can’t be boring.
Maybe a “spectator” church could be boring. A church in which people come, watch, listen, and leave. A church limited by a book and a hierarchy might get boring. But a church open to the Spirit in its diverse, surprising manifestations? A church that values and expects the involvement of everyone? It’s hard to imagine that being boring.
If you think that church is boring, or not relevant, maybe the thing to think about is what you can do to liven things up. Are you making church boring by not getting involved and getting to know people? Are you investing yourself in the life of the church in ways that contribute to the vitality of the church? Are you helping to make church life-giving and engaging?
Prayer: Life in the Spirit is anything but boring if we are paying attention. In this Lenten season may we be attuned to the vibrancy of faith around us. May we devote ourselves to breathing life into the church, the body of Christ, so that the love of God may infuse the world. Amen.
Lakewood United Church of Christ 