I’ve been doing a little thinking about how most of the church in America, and often around the world, most commonly meets together. You know–at our Sunday services? Is the way we’re often “doing church” really communicating what we think it is, especially to visitors or folks just checking things out?
Is the form in which we receive a message as important as the message itself?
Philosopher and author Marshall McLuhan argued that throughout history what has been communicated is at times less important than the specific medium through which we communicate that message. The technology, choices and methods that transfer the message changes us, it changes culture and it changes those who receive it and more.
What has been communicated (message) has been less important… than the medium through which people communicate. ~ Marshall McLuhan
As someone who used to work for and help lead larger, attractional churches, and their Sunday services, this maxim that McLuhan proposes has always intrigued me. In my gut, I think he is absolutely correct. The medium is very much (if not more so) the message. And I have often wondered what your average person, someone who has not grown up in the church, who rolls into a service on a Sunday morning would think Jesus and the gospel is all about based on what they see, hear and experience.[clickToTweet tweet=”What would your friends think Jesus is all about if they visited your church?” quote=”What would your friends think Jesus is all about if they visited your church?”]
What Was That All About?
Think about it from their perspective.
You walk in and you are greeted by a person, usually wearing a special badge of some sort, who hands you a program and directs you to your seat. A badge, program and directions. What does that medium communicate?
Then, once seated, the service begins. Lights, cameras, action! The band kicks in, an emcee of sorts tells us what we’re going to experience today and we’re led through three or four songs (that most folks would not know from normal life) by a professional band on microphones and amplifiers. All quite polished. All very well lit. Is Christianity a well-crafted and timed out production? Is Jesus gonna walk out on stage soon? That might be cool.
Well, not Jesus himself, but someone special comes out and talks for 30-45-60 minutes. This is apparently a very important person. The light is shining on him from the balcony the entire time. And this is apparently very important stuff he is talking about because everyone in the room sits in silence listening. And many are taking copious notes.
A few more songs at the end, some announcements about programs you can sign up for (a nominal cost often associated with these) and then an opportunity to give your money to those who are putting on the production. They tell the “guests” not to worry about this part, but this whole thing has got to be pretty expensive to pull off every week… Wait a minute, some of these churches run this thing multiple times each week? Phew…they must be exhausted! Now that it’s over everyone pretty much rushes out the door, back to their cars and “normal” lives…I guess.
A bit of a caricature I know, but unfortunately accurate in most cases.
The Medium: Assigned greeters, programs, rowed seating, staging, lights and sound. A special few people who do most of the communication. Little to no personal interaction or participation.
The Message: Jesus, the Church and Christianity must be a rehearsed production that is crafted by the few to show the many how to live…or it is somewhat cheesy entertainment…or something. You are “our guest” and there is no “obligation”.
When I contrast that to what I read about the original followers of Jesus and the early church I am awe-struck by the contrast.
This is a Family!
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” ~Acts 2:42-47
The Medium: Homes, daily meals, serving others, praying and learning together. Miraculous signs and healing. Organic growth.
The Message: This is a family and we’re in this together. Because of Jesus we have God’s favor on our lives–every day of the week. This is all really good news!
I know, some who hear this may think me harsh, but I have asked my non-Christian friends what they think our churches and services are all about. And this is actually a pretty soft accounting of their impressions.
I love the church–which is people–but just because we have always done something one way does not mean we cannot change it.
The next best time to rethink and reshape the medium of how we live together and incorporate others into this life of faith, and demonstrate the gospel in action, is now.
Would you share this with someone else who you think could benefit from thinking about these things? I’d appreciate it! Please leave me your comments and questions below.
