a clamor in the cliques

I'm boiling with emotion. It's so undefined. I'm not able to place it. It's an odd concoction of several ingredients.Something that has been heavy on my mind lately has been something I like to call: "A clamor in the cliques."You see, as humans, we operate in groups, in placing the commonalities of each other and motivating each other based off that of which you have in common. So, people that like to paint, have friends that are artist, people that work for construction have friends in the construction industry. We're grouped and labeled by typically what we're subjected to, to some extent. Now, however, not every facet of life is mutually exclusive with one another. I understand, and recognize that truth as truth. In some ways we operate like that.I'm not so much talking in those terms. I just wanted to make that clear.I'm more talking about something like campus ministries or churches with their wonderful ideas on how to reach people for Christ.Now, now… Let me begin with a disclaimer. Churches and campus ministries are wonderful things. I love the idea of fostering Christ as the Savior. I'm only addressing a specific issue that exists. They simply may never be a solution. But, if by addressing it, somehow it's deterred. I've helped monumentally. …… …… … … Alone, this individual walks into a crowded room full of smiles and gestures suggesting inside jokes. Nervous, tucks their head down and walks briskly. Shaken, someone approaches them. -The corporate welcome-"Hello! We're so glad you decided to join us today."
It's funny, that statement like clockwork, like a script, is said to 40 other alone, nervous and shaken people. (Unfortunately, the minister, pastor, priest or preacher has no idea how to make it any more authentic.) …… …… … …A clamor in the clique. Christendom has shifted from a model of Christ, to a model of a corporation. From being martyrs in faith to social murders. It happens every Sunday. In "Name your town." It's deeply unfortunate. But, Christianity is less about what the core issues are. And maybe more about being seen on stage and perceived as a "good, Godly person" This corporate model has fostered this "Christian culture" Which brings me more the clique. This deeply dark clique. It's something that most every Christian will deny. That could be a symptom of a deeper issue.One, that they're simply ignorant in their faith.Two, they're faith is something that is illegitimate and something they recognize that fosters something for them socially.
But, this phenomenon is something I've seen A LOT of at ..:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Western Kentucky University.Name your ministry. I can't get over the amount of people I know that's wanted to make friends within the campus ministries here. But, unless you're at every event, you're unlikely to be recognized.Not involved to many people translates unholy.Another symptom of a clamor in the clique. It's the constant judgments on people that they don't recognize, in churches and all places of faith. It's everywhere. I could make suggestions; I try to be the suggestion. Lets for a second take the word "minister" "How we learn so much on how to properly minister to people."I might add that in saying that people spend $1,000s on printing presses for Jesus vouchers.In church we learn how to go out in to the world. But, it really never follows through. They usually tell you that Sunday that you should make disciples of people and share you faith. Which is amazing! Great! I love that. But, unfortunately. It's not executed as much as it should. Or, for that matter, done properly. Define properly Dan.Not to be a know-it-all. Or a great theologian. But, honestly if we ever come to talk to people about faith it's usually what we approach them and what's that say about our demeanor.People become more like targets on a shooting range.Someone fires Jesus at them first, and then you later find out what you scored.With this approach, I'm certain that bull-eye is rarely hit. I have a simply, but, effect suggestion.It requires character, resolve, and faith.It requires heart, motivation, and being intentional.It requires you stepping out of your comfort zone.You have to love first. That is how you minister. That is it in a nut-shell.You have to be relevant, be relational, and be real. Be honest.Level with people and get off the holy chair your sitting in. I heard a minister once say in a sermon."If I got to him to Heaven, I can spare a few hells and dams."Now, not that I'm suggesting you get filthy mouth, but my point is clear. This approach will shatter clique.Because it's less about the exclusive, come to see us approach, and more of the intentional, inclusive, I'm going where you are.Where ever you are, I love you. Approach.I would say it's the approach Jesus took.Whatever Jesus is good.
I hate the fact that people go to Christian events every day and feel uncomfortable. I know we're all human, but, we all know how to make someone feel genuinely welcome and accepted and appreciated. Be intentional.Be inclusive.Be Jesus.