03/18/2025
Keeping the Church Doors Unencumbered
Sunday, we considered Jesus’ disruptive actions in the Temple in light of his frustration with keeping gentiles from worshipping in their designated courtyard. We then reflected on how we still tend to throw up roadblocks to those who don’t normally attend church. I found the following, but didn’t have space for it in the sermon. It’s provocative and worth chewing on for a while.
In the book, unChristian: What a New Generation really thinks about Christianity and why it matters, research by the Barna group came up with six main reasons why young people who aren’t involved in church, have stayed away.
Hypocritical – Many believe that Christians say one thing but live differently, failing to practice what they preach.
Too focused on getting converts – Non-Christians often feel that churches treat them as projects rather than genuinely caring for them.
Antihomosexual – The perception is that churches are hostile toward LGBTQ+ individuals rather than engaging with them in love.
Sheltered – Christianity is often seen as out of touch with real-world problems, lacking cultural awareness.
Too political – Churches are frequently viewed as being overly involved in political issues, aligning too closely with particular parties or agendas.
Judgmental – Many feel that Christians are quick to judge others rather than being compassionate and understanding.
We don’t live our lives to meet the expectations of others, but we can live our lives with the kind of faithfulness and consideration that make these kinds of obstacles obsolete and false. Go now with the blessings of God, and be the blessing of God to whoever you met and wherever you go this week. Amen.
Archived Posts
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Keeping the Church Doors Unencumbered
Sunday, we considered Jesus’ disruptive actions in the Temple in light of his frustration with keeping gentiles from worshipping in their designated courtyard. We then reflected on how we still tend to throw up roadblocks to those who don’t normally attend church. I found the following, but didn’t have space for it in the sermon. It’s provocative and worth chewing on for a while.
What Was the Crowd Celebrating on Palm Sunday?
I came across this list which feels a little like a "Greatest Hits of Jesus' Ministry". I share it with you today for your inspiration and edification. Enjoy!
The Best Kind of Trouble-maker
While working on this last week’s sermon I was looking through Phillip Yancey’s excellent book—The Jesus I Never Knew—when I came across a section that I found profound. It didn’t quite fit my sermon, but it caught my eye enough that I copied it down.