Monday, February 18, 2008

My favorte "We're leaving CCC" letter

I know I often make it sound like it doesn't bother me when people leave CCC. I always hate it and see it as a failure. I realize that it is inevitable but I still wish I could help people understand what we are trying to do.

However I just got my favorte quote from an e-mail of someone leaving our church. And I quote - "I'm tired of sitting in church next to people that smell like cigarette smoke and alcohol." Here's a part of what I wrote back about that line - "I'm not tired of sitting next to them. I hope God allows me to sit next to them and watch Him do what He does - He changes people. He has me and I used to smell just like that. I hate that you are leaving because God is up to something at Community Christian and is giving us a front row seat to His best work even if occasionaly it smells."

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

A couple months ago at church, I sat behind a young woman and a very drunk older guest (boyfriend? father?). This guy was so out of it, he was talking back to Ed. By the way he smelled, he had either been up all night drinking, or had started early that morning. Either way, the guy had some serious problems. God bless that brave woman who brought him to CCC to hear a message of hope. It was a privilege to sit behind them and pray for both of them that morning.
Let's face it--we all stank to God before we were washed by Jesus. Some of us were just better at covering it up than others! Even now, I have a lingering stink of selfishness. Thank God for people who love me enough to accept me and not throw me out for being smelly.

Adam said...

I remember my first time at CCC. I was a High School Junior and, someone invited me to go, I didn't really want to but said yes just to get them to shut up. I was somewhat surprised when she stooped at my house to pick me up on Sunday morning because I had forgotten about it. And because I had spent the night before at a party and was pretty hung over in the morning. I had gone to Church before but never felt that it was a place for me. I had a strong belief in God and Jesus, but never lived like it. Right from the start I knew that CCC was different, no one yelled at me, no one judged me. Everyone accepted me as I was. When I first started working with the Junior High students I was a Senior, had crazy hair with unnatural colors, and many body piercings to go along the whole "heathen" theme. But I was still welcomed and encouraged to serve. I don't know of any other Church that would have made me feel that welcome. So when I hear that people are leaving because of the crowd we attract obviously it makes me sad to see them leave and hope they are going to another church, I am still optimistic. Because then there will be more seats available for us "heathens"

Unknown said...

It is exactly because of what you are trying to do that has my family and I attending CCC.

We have been in traditional and contemporary churches prior to CCC. The prevailing attitude among too many "Christians" and churches is that you should be like me. Any deviation from my standard is unacceptable and you are not welcome until you change.

Pharisees and Scribes are still alive and well in churches today. The message of Christ is still relevent today in relation to that also. As He came to those who were the rejected, afflicted and persecuted by the religious and social establishments, so are we to do the same.

The Kingdom of God has been appropriately called "This Beautiful Mess". Get used to it!! You will begin to live in another level of freedom under grace.

It is about love, that is all. I will not quote 1 Cor. 13.

I have not receive a mail-out as of yet. I am sure that it will be interesting. The guys drinking beer was a good one and I felt made a clear statement. That was one thing that made me want check out CCC initially.

Anonymous said...

I am so proud of our church and honored to be a part of what God is doing. I was also one of those stinky people until I learned that God loved me no matter where I was at in my life. I finally learned that after years and years and church after church. CCC delivered God's message of hope and grace and love and acceptance. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

You know, a relative of mine used to be one of the stinky people this person wrote about. After a couple years of Sunday services, small groups, and finally serving..my relative only stinks of cigarettes. God and the acceptance of our church and the people who were willing to sit next to "stinky people" was the reason for the change. The fact that they are no longer an alcoholic is an answer to our entire family's prayers!
I only hope the email writer finds a church for perfect people.I used to be a member of a "good" church - and FYI - some of them stink on Sunday mornings too:)

Adam said...

I think we found a new Church slogan. "CCC - A place for stinky people"

Anonymous said...

I wish the best to the ones who are leaving, I'm sure they do a tremendous job of covering their imperfections so they will be fine at another church, one that screens and only accepts royalty. (Sarcastic anger?)If they feel so strongly, maybe they aren't the most appropriate members anyway, considering that your mission for each member is for them to change in the way you have described: feel accepted and accept others, attend, get information they need to change and grow,join a small group to develop healthy relationships, support each other, grow and be accountable, and for each member to join as a team to serve the community,and to reach the unconnected. I pray they can realize the impact and the specialness of Community Christian's ways. I can attest to the fact that I have been attending, have joined a small group, and am growing toward getting much more involved, AND most importantly, I WANT to change and be of service to others, more so with each experience at Community Christian. Way to go for reaching out to "normal" people who have felt too low or judged to attend church. I am so happy to be part of this church and SO happy that you are BOLDLY UNASHAMED to reach out to ALL....it's WJWD. (I thought you'd like that)...but seriously, it IS Jesus' way.