We label church stuff with words that are indecipherable to the man/woman-in-the-street. Like "Children's Church," or "Worship Team," or "Contemporary." Who uses the word contemporary besides the church? We use it to mean, "up to date, fresh, modern, new," but the word stopped meaning that in our culture a long time ago. If you go to a furniture store to buy "contemporary" furniture, you'll probably end up with a 60's, retro, pop couch with tie-die fabric. If you sing a "contemporary" song at church, you will likely end up in the same era.
We also mis-label church stuff. We call it a choir when it's only a sextet. (OK. I see the obvious problem with the word, sextet, but really! We're grownups here! Stop giggling!) Take a look at the Bible Studies offered in your church--how many of them are studying the Bible? (Before you answer, remember that What's So Amazing About Grace by Yancey is not scripture). What about "Sanctuary?"
I say, let's be honest with our labels. Truth in advertising.
- Bible Free-For-All: Come to this group at Molly's house and bring your own opinion about what the Bible says. Don't worry about being right; just see how wacky your own ideas about scripture can really be!
- Committee Spinnings: Forget about committee "meetings." Everyone knows you just spin your wheels in a committee.
- All-Church Junk Room: Be honest: It's not the Janitor's Closet anymore, is it? The janitor's moved on down the hall, crowded out of his space by the accumulation of VBS decorations and Sunday School curriculae that no one will throw in the trash. Aren't you supposed to burn Gospel Light quarterlies in a ceremony at dusk?
- Perpetual Attender Parking: Clarence has been calling himself a visitor for the past 68 months to get the prime spot next to the door, but "Visitor Parking" is really the alley behind the parsonage, the only space left after all the holy folks have arrived.
What would you like to re-label at your church?
