Have High Expectations
With our journey of visiting fifty-two churches over, I can reflect more on the complete experience. Today, I’ll add to my thoughts about Church #42.
I carried high expectations for this church, but I experienced a disappointing day when we visited. What they delivered fell far short of what I anticipated I would encounter.
My unwarranted anticipation built them into something they were not, something few churches could ever achieve—or maintain. In truth, no church could be that good. From such a lofty perch that I placed them on, it was much further to fall.
The service was tightly orchestrated, but felt disjointed, the songs were dated and tired, the people were self-absorbed, and the sermon was critical and divisive. This church exemplified many of the traits the unchurched levy against it. Now I understand why.
However, even if I had no expectations for my experience with them, I’m sure I’d still have been disappointed. Perhaps I should have arrived, expecting the worst. Would that have allowed me to better see the good?
What I can say is this is a larger church with a passionate following. Certainly, they are connecting with some people, just not me.
[See my reflections about Church #41 and Church #43 or start at the beginning of our journey.]
My wife and I visited a different Christian Church every Sunday for a year. This is our story. Get your copy of 52 Churches today, available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
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