And above all you must he asking which door is the true one; not which pleases you best by its paint and panelling. In plain language, the question should never be: 'Do I like that kind of service?' but 'Are these doctrines true: Is holiness here? Does my conscience move me towards this? Is my reluctance to knock at this door due to my pride, or my mere taste, or my personal dislike of this particular doorkeeper?
This quote from the article reminded me of the last few years of my Christian walk. I have moved a few times, tried many churches especially in Grand Rapids AKA the Bible Beltline. I feel that is being in the hall when you are waiting. That is what Lewis seemed to imply. Three years ago I moved out of my parent’s house. Moved to California for a summer and explored churches there. I did not really settle in a home church because I knew I was only going to be there for the summer. Then I moved back to Tennessee and tried our several churches in my home town. I feel that I kind of settled in a church that was just starting up. I began to get very involved and the church fell apart as the pastor abruptly left the new congregation. A few months later I moved to Michigan, where my husband, boyfriend at the time had already been for a year. We “church shopped” for 3 months and finally said that we could continue shopping for three years. We settled in a CRC church in downtown Grand Rapids which we greatly enjoy and still attend to this day. We are slowly making that church our home but still feel like we are standing in the hall. We both feel this way because being somewhat new to the CRC denomination we are unsure if that’s where we want to settle even though we do really enjoy it.
Some of the questions that C.S. Lewis asks in the quote are some of the questions that my husband and I have asked ourselves in the church searching process. What about the doctrines? Is the Lord’s holiness in the church? There are so many questions to be asked and even though it is mostly frustrating to be “in the hall” it is also good learning and growing experience whether you are going through it alone or with friends or family. God is backing you and eventually he will get you where he wants you to be. I think one of the biggest things is patience and open ears and eyes to be aware and follow when He tells you where to go or where to be. We always need to be ready and willing for God to take us where he wants.
You know I absolutely relate to having to move around quite often, having to jump into new established communities and trying to find one's place in it, especially when church hopping. It's great to hear that you and your husband have been persevering in this challenging area and have been relying on God to support you guys at this time. Constant change has it's hardships, but when we're absolutely committed to seeking out what God has in store for us, He indeed brings us to our suited "door" and answers our prayers. Good on ya!
ReplyDeleteI am also starting to realize how difficult it can be to find a new church home as well. I think it is good to be in "the hall" for sometime so that when we do actually make it to a room, we know that it is the right place to be. We have to trust God that He will show us which room we are supposed to be in. Thanks for sharing this part of your journey!
ReplyDeleteI think this is something most of us can relate to, especially if we're not from Grand Rapids or the CRC. You say open ears and eyes are important, and I agree. I would say even more generally we need to have an open mind. You said you're new to the CRC and that has made you reluctant to make your current church your home church. But I think it's huge that you are giving it a shot. I know I have been very unsure about the CRC (having never even heard of it before coming to Calvin). Your open-mindedness and reliance on God is inspiring. I really enjoy your posts. Nice job!
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