I thought I would post how I answered an e-mail tonight about THE postcard. I offer it to help you think about how you will answer not to say I answered it perfectly.
I got this e-mail from a staff member at a nearby church:
"I really think the postcard (the guy smoking the joint) I got in my mailbox today was in very poor taste. The postcards you used to send out were funny. The postcards you have sent out in the last year or so are questionable at best. "
I answered:
I can see how people would question the card. Our intent with the "church for the rest of us" campaign was to say that you have not done anything, gone too far, become too unacceptable to come home to God. We know for sure from research that most people in our country don't see Christians as loving or accepting. They don't look at the church as being a place where people who have problems are welcomed. The formal research and my personal experience say that people think we believe ourselves to be "better than" most "normal folk." We wanted people to know that even law breakers can come home. I believe that Jesus makes clear that He offers grace to people no matter where they are. I know not all of whom I would consider fellow followers of Christ would agree with me but I believe God offers us grace while we are still sinners and then by His grace we are changed. I believe it's the Power of the Spirit working in us that takes sinners like me and recreates us. At Community Christian we believe every person needs to know that. I know that most churches believe the same thing and want that as well. But we have to face the truth that our culture is not getting our message in our current way of communicating it. We thought we would give this a shot. We are not saying it is the only way to communicate it, but we believe the message must be communicated and are willing to take the risk of "bad taste" to get the message out.
I'm glad you enjoyed the funny cards. We believe they were effective as well. Many other Christians thought they were in bad taste as well. Who knows that next year we won't do something humorous again. I can guarantee you that we will not stop trying to reach those who think the church is not interested in them. Note I did not say the church wasn't interested - they "think we aren't interested."
I would be happy to meet with you as a brother in Christ to talk about any of your concerns.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
An answer
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5 comments:
Sometimes I cringe at what you say and do. It's real easy to take the safe route and not ruffle any feathers. I love what CCC is doing under your leadership. Keep up the great work !
It may be hard for you to believe but sometimes I cringe too.
One more thing, I think it is fantastic what CCC does with these cards and reaching the people that need to be reached. Your answer to the message about the person that says they will not attend a church where they have to sit next to ppl who smell like smoke and alcohol was perfect, I could not have said it better myself. You see, I was one of those ppl (who reeked of sin), and for so long I thought I did not belong to church, that God did not want me because I did such terrible things. I lived for years thinking that I was too terrible for God, that he would never forgive or accept me. CCC (and God) has made the most miraculous changes in my life by making me feel accepted and showing me that God is there for me. If anything, I need God in my life more than ever, and you have shown me that. That no matter what I do, God is with me and I am NEVER forsaken.
Thank you for all that you do, for all the "controversial" methods you use, because I've never seen God's work at his greatest until I found CCC. I feel so blessed that God led me to CCC, and I know that was no coincidence.
Bold, brave, courageous and full of love. I am proud of the work you all are doing over in Sharpsburg and surrounding communities. I pray that your efforts will spark increased awareness and action!
Just wanted to say that I,too, sometimes cringe at the cards we send and hope my mom doesn't see them because I don't want to hear about it. HOWEVER, I cannot argue with the fact that they cause people to talk and hopefully they will get into the hands of those we are trying to attract. Keep up the good work!! Also wanted to say that I loved the response to the lady who is leaving the church because of the stinky people. Was in a restaurant yesterday while traveling and was close to a family that reeked of alcohol and cigarettes....he had on a great marijuana t-shirt also, by the way. My natural instinct is to avoid, but, I wished for a moment we were home and I could invite them to church....thank you so much for reminding me that God has a heart for ALL people. I will hopefully always think of that lady when my natural instincts war against God's perspective. God Bless!!
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