Psalm 139:23; Isaiah 6:5; Matthew 7:21-23; John 4:21-24; Romans 3:23-24; Romans 7:21-24; Romans 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 15:22; 2 Corinthians 1:3-7; 2 Corinthians 2:14-17; 2 Corinthians 5:15; Galatians 5:17; Ephesians 5:15-17; Philippians 1:6; Colossians 4:5-6; James 1:22-2:9
One of the most common reasons I hear as to why people aren't interested in the church is because of the hypocrisy that exists within Christianity. Even though many people use this simply as an excuse, we must realize that much of what they are saying is true. Yes, there are those cases of people who get drunk on Friday and Saturday nights only to show up at church on Sunday with the same people they were partying with on the previous two nights. However, I believe it is the "casual" hypocrisy that really turns people off from the church...
- It's the "we love everyone... but you better look, talk, and dress like us or we won't give you any attention" attitude that turns people away.
- It's when Christians prioritize their lifestyles exactly like those outside of the church that makes people think "why do I want to give up my sleep on Sunday morning for that?"
- It's the people in their suits on Sunday mornings who leave a Christian track at a restaurant but leave a $1 tip that causes people to wonder "what's the point?"
All week long Amy has sensed something drawing her towards going to church on Sunday morning. She used to be involved in church as a teen, but hasn't been in several years. She now has a few tattoos, is divorced with 2 kids, and really isn't comfortable in a dress. Nevertheless, she remembers enough about God to know that He is loving so she decides to give church another try. After all, she's desperate for some direction in her life.
After searching the internet, she finds a church that uses phrases like "sharing God's love with the world" in its vision statement. She decides she will go there. When she arrives she is handed a bulletin by an older gentleman who immediately continues his conversation with the greeter. She walks in, sets down with her kids, hoping someone might say hi. She sees everyone strolling in dressed much nicer than her. They all take their seats and no one sits near her. The service begins, songs are sung, the pastor preaches, they pray, and when it's over, she walks back to her car without ever having a real conversation with anyone. She immediately thinks "What was the point in giving up my Sunday morning for that? So much for sharing God's love with the world; they didn't even share it with me, and I was in their building!"
The Overflow realizes that we will mess up. As a church, we won't do everything right. Nevertheless, we believe in authenticity. We want people to see how a perfect God can work through the lives of imperfect people. For us, it doesn't matter whether we're talking about how we should live our daily life or the way we interact with someone on Sunday morning at a worship experience. We don't put on our "Sunday best" in an attempt to make ourselves feel religious and holy. We believe in being who God has called us to be seven days a week. Who we are doesn't change on Sundays. (Just to clarify, I'm not saying all people who dress nice on Sunday morning are hypocrites and rude. I know many wonderful, loving people who wear suits and dresses each week and they love God and love people. I'm just describing the perception that's out there)
In return, people who chose to connect with The Overflow are free to do so just as they are. We welcome everyone the same regardless of what you wear, how much money you have, your spiritual background, past decisions, or present situations. Authenticity is a two-way street. It's a lifestyle commitment that doesn't become a religious obligation on Sundays, and it's an understanding that none of us are perfect so we welcome people as they are and trust that God will work in their lives as they experience His love and hear the truth of His Word. After all, it was the so called "religious" crowd that Jesus continually rebuked and called hypocrites! (example: Matthew 23:5-10)
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