My favorite thing my dad taught me: It’s okay to go to a church whose theology you don’t agree with. Now, read to the end before you mentally check out.
When we lived in Guatemala, we went to two different churches. We’d go to an extremely liturgical, English-speaking church in the early morning, and an extremely charismatic, Spanish-speaking church at noon time. When we moved back to the United States, we began attending a hyper-Calvinist reformed church.
As missionaries, we visited many churches back in the US and abroad with vastly different theological and traditional backgrounds. There was always some basic doctrine they all shared…fundamentals of the faith. But besides that, they were drastically different.
Last year I was attending Ed Young’s massively seeker-friendly church, Fellowship Church. Last month we felt it was time to switch to Matt Chandler’s seemingly seeker-indifferent church. Very different services. But I get something unique from each.
And that’s what my dad taught me and my siblings. You don’t have to agree on every ounce of doctrine to learn something at a church. Each church and traditional background sees God in a unique way. And by seeing God from their perspective you get a better picture of God.
- Reformed theology shows us the incredible grace of God. How could God love even one of us?
- Armenian theology shows us our responsibility. God reacts to us. He chooses to move or not move depending on what we do. It’s not all pre-determined.
- A church like Fellowship Church reminds me that there is a very lost world that needs Jesus.
- A church like the Village Church reminds me that nothing I do could make God love me more.
I’ve never agreed 100% with a church I’ve attended. But I’ve experienced God uniquely in each one.
My doctrine and my personal walk with Christ comes from my personal devotions. My ability to celebrate with the Church universal comes from embracing family I might not completely agree with.
The Church is that…a family…at times ugly…at times brash…at times embarrassing…at times infuriating. But it’s the reflection of Christ here on the earth. Why wouldn’t I want to embrace the full reflection?
And why would I possibly criticize the Body of Christ?
Note: For those hung up on the word “Heresy” in the title…I’m not recommending we embrace heresy. I’m recommending we embrace the Church. Most doctrinal differences we struggle with are not heresy…simply differences. “In essentials, unity; in doubtful matters, liberty; in all things, charity.” -Augustine
[Image from Mopho.to]
Did you read Tim’s post on this topic? http://www.timschraeder.com/2013/08/27/your-church-isnt-for-everyone/
Mr. Schraeder and I agree on many things. 🙂
Again, another great post!
I just have one correction. You say: “I’ve never agreed 100% with a church I’ve attended.”
I am assuming that does NOT include the church you were attending while I was pastoring and you were on staff. Obviously, you did agree with that one 100% – or there is something seriously messed up with your doctrine. After all, heretics are the other guy.
Ever notice everyone thinks they are “balanced” and anyone who believes either left or right of what they believe is extreme or “hyper-” or lukewarm or whatever. And, I don’t hold a single opinion that is wrong. All of us think all of our opinions are spot on.
We are a bunch of funny creatures.
Love
Dad