Confession: I’m not a big fan of outreach small groups.
I’ve (somewhat shamefully) admitted that to exactly two people before now. It’s not a popular opinion. Scandalous, even.
Small groups (when church members organize groups that meet during the week to do various things) are mostly thought of as vital to the health of the church and the people involved, but I’m not sold. I’ve attended small groups. I’ve even hosted small groups, but I’ve always walked away with an it’s “us vs. them” mentality that I have lived my whole adult life trying to shake.
The small groups I tend to gravitate toward are outreach programs. Homeless initiatives, food pantries, clothing drives, that type of service. It’s good work, don’t get me wrong, but it always feels a bit off. A bit like “Aren’t you so lucky to have us come in and help you”. It feels condescending and that makes me sick. There is no room for superiority in love.
I have wonderful friends who organize great outreach programs and I love them and their compassionate hearts something fierce, but maybe instead of small groups that go “out into the world”, the church should be more focused on infusing the already established organizations (The Salvation Army, Guardian Ad Litem, Coalition on Homelessness, etc) with Christians who are sincerely there to love and serve without agenda; Christians who leave church affiliation behind and just light the world with love in action.
What if we had Christians who, instead of trying to fit themselves into a church small group mold, just volunteered wherever they felt passionate in their own world and radiated Light where they were? How radically would that change our communities? Our own families?
“I am not sure exactly what heaven will be like, but I know that when we die and it comes time for God to judge us, he will not ask, ‘How many good things have you done in your life?’ rather he will ask, ‘How much love did you put into what you did?” — Mother Teresa
I have to agree with you on this one. I used to be very hesitant to say it, because I know many of the outreach people have good intentions, but sometimes their pious (and subsequently condescending) attitude completely off-sets the good intentions.
I have a family member who constantly brags on FB about her “good deeds” and then posts Bible verses to support her actions (daily). She helped an old lady cross the street? Post about it with Bible verse. Fed the homeless on Thanksgiving? Post 12 pictures of herself “serving” accompanied by several Bible verses. Smiled at a stranger? Opened the door for someone carrying groceries? Picked up trash on the street (inspired an ENTIRE blog post)? You guessed it… post about it with a reminder that we should all be as servant-minded as herself. Instead of feeling inspired, it is now so obnoxious that I block her feed from my FB.
This also reminds me of something I’ve seen all my life (a little off-topic but related). I call it “church-face.” For example, if you see someone from a distance (at a restaurant, store or playground, etc) they are just themselves and genuine. At church, they are a COMPLETELY different person with the high-wattage, good-natured, “Christian” greetings and smiles. It feels so artificial and forced. Being a Christian does not mean you act like Mother Theresa on customer-service greeting steroids one day of the week. Just be real and let your light shine (like you said) and save the fake perfect-self stuff for rare occasions, like your annual review with your CEO.
Yes, yes, and more yes! I can completely relate to the fake church-face. Sadly, it was a joke in our youth group growing up. I may be overly sensitive to intentions because of that, but you hit the nail on the head.
“Mother Teresa on customer-service greeting steroids” — I’m dying. Good lord thats funny!
This is worth pondering and then acting on: “What if we had Christians who, instead of trying to fit themselves into a church small group mold, just volunteered wherever they felt passionate in their own world and radiated Light where they were? How radically would that change our communities? Our own families?”
Well done!
Thank you! It’s a lofty, but very basic goal. I’m SO excited about your project! I can’t wait to sit down and figure out how I can help!