When Two become One

The Emerging Church Part II

What makes the church I spoke of earlier unique, however, is that they are trying to adapt. So much so that they are completely redefining what it means to look like the Church.

…

The following is a paraphrase to how this process occurred:

In walks Lee. He is a Presbyterian pastor who likes to study history, tell jokes and speak in farming metaphors.

“Our church is struggling,” he says to the congregation. “We need to plant seeds, fertilize soil and raise crops up. We must grow, not rot!”

His statement resonates with truth. At one point Lee’s congregation was thriving. It had nearly 900 members. But that was many years ago. Today the large, multi-building facility sits on a prime piece of real estate close to UC Santa Cruz but its congregation is aging and its membership is dwindling. Like many mainstream denominational churches it appears as another dieing congregation.

The member’s reaction is mixed. They are a close group and enjoy their current dynamic. Yet they cannot deny that the sanctuary feels empty.

Hesitantly they respond, “We know we must change. But how do we do this? How do we reach individuals who are different than we are?”

Their questions echo against the stain glass walls. They are afraid to wonder into the unknown. They are scared to reach out to individuals who are different than they are.

Simultaneously, a pounding is heard at the door. In walks a group of twenty-somethings wearing their Sunday best vintage jeans and Converse sneakers.

“Hey,” the oldest one speaks. His hair resembles a that of a slicked back rockabilly singer. “We are a non-denominational “emerging” church that would like to reach seekers, young adults and college age students in your area. Do you think we could rent some space?”

Lee’s eyes surveyed the room as he responded “We do not rent out our space but let us talk. We could work together. There is room enough for both of our tractors.”

…

Obviously, the churches union did not occur quite so easily and eloquently. In fact, the churches are still revving their John Deere Tractors to smooth out their differences. But the point is they are trying something new, thinking outside of the box and aren’t afraid to change.

And since their union began, much has changed. The offices have all been repainted, the fellowship hall has been transformed into a kick-ace coffee shop and there is even talk about removing some pews from the sanctuary to make room for more interactive spaces. The staff calls it extreme church makeover. But the splendor is not in the redesigned architecture. The beauty is in the way these two churches are working together to appeal to the community and culture around them.

…

Before Eric and I set foot within the church we met a girl at Starbucks. She had short dark hair and wore a rainbow bracelet. As I sat at the counter we began to make casual conversation.

“So what brought you into town?” she asked inquisitive, wondering why we would visit Santa Cruz in the middle of the winter.

“We are here to work at Vintage Faith Church,” I said wondering how she would respond.

Immediately her eyes lit up. “That is my church!” she said enthused.

“Oh, I said surprised. “What do you think of it?”

“I love it. It is a place where I can come, be myself and connect with God.”

…

I often daydream what the Church would look like if we could follow these two churches example. I dream of it adapting and uniting; planting and growing; as a place where people can come, be their selves and connect with God.

Let us all connect with God,

Kent