joon’s world

Jan at A Church for Starving Artists is contemplating the seriousness of spiritual formation:

I get depressed when people seem so uncommitted. Many church members attend worship irregularly. There are clearly good excuses (e.g. out of town, sick, Grandmother’s 100th birthday party) and there are not-so-good reasons (e.g. Hillary’s on Meet the Press, Ann Taylor’s having a sale.) Maybe they are committed to God, to following Jesus but they just aren’t committed to their spiritual community. For others “membership” simply means that their names are on a list somewhere and that’s enough.

(See what I mean about being no fun?)

Here’s the thing: I am really fun. Cyndi Lauper fun. I draw the line at certain roller coasters and American Gladiator tryouts but I’m a fairly fun person.

Nevertheless, I’m longing for people in my spiritual community to crave God to the point that they become a committed part of the community. I’m wishing more people made room for their spiritual lives in a committed way.

A Church for Starving Artists: No Fun?

I can identify with this deeply.  At my church I have done two Bible studies since September, each poorly attended.  People say they want study opportunities, but don’t see it through.  Sometimes I want to shake them and say, “Why are you here?  Why do you come to church?  What are you getting out of it? Why don’t you want to know Jesus more?”

For Lent I am doing a study on martyrs and sacrifice.  There is a soup and bread supper before hand, so attendance is usually a little better.  There are a couple of people who are showing great interest in it.  Have to keep that up.