…for the rest of us

I love reading surveys.  It’s a real joy to share what people are saying.

“From the moment I stepped on the sidewalk, every person I saw was friendly, smiling, welcoming and helpful.”

“Everyone was very friendly.”

“I was by myself and a little nervous, but the warm (and not pushy) greetings made me feel more comfortable.”

“Casual atmosphere, felt pretty comfortable even though it has been a while since I attended church voluntarily.”

“I’ve been looking for something like this. I have never belonged to a church (never really feeling comfortable, not feeling like I fit, feeling judged), but I have always longed for a place of spiritual community. This could be the answer I’ve been looking for and praying about.”

“I was not raised in a church going family. I don’t know the bible cover to cover. I’ve tried several churches over the years, but never felt comfortable asking about how to begin my journey without feeling inferior and guilty. Eastlake gave me an overwhelming sense of welcome and an outpouring of love. I believe I have found the right fit. I left feeling so blessed for having received the flyer and being led to get out of bed at 8:30 on a Sunday despite wanting to sleep in. I ended up right where I needed to be.”

Like intolerance and judgmental attitudes last week, I think the hot-button objection that stands out among this week’s pack is that “Church people are hypocrites!”  Join us this Sunday, 10 a.m. at South Jr. High to hear our talk regarding the objections “Church people are impersonal, political, hypocrites and uneducated.”

I am reading the surveys from yesterday and they are HUGELY positive and awesome!   Reading them I genuinely get the sense of something much bigger than our piddly little selves going on.  It’s amazing to me how the same 60-minute event is used by God in a wide variety of ways to different people.  I feel like I’m witnessing a real butterfly effect…just from a freaking huge butterfly.

Here are the main points from yesterday’s service:

• The perception that church is out of touch and a waste of time is definitely understandable given weird Christian “culture” oddities, famous religious talking heads and our personal experiences.
• Connecting with God in a real way is never a waste of time, which is why EastLake will never pretend old ritual or traditions are somehow more holy than connecting with God authentically.
• Burnt cat pee is one of the worst smells known to man.
• Christianity should NEVER be marked by intolerant attitudes, hate, being known for what we’re against or negative judgmental attitudes to a certain crop of people.
• Having a bold belief that contradicts another bold belief does not mean you treat the other person as inferior or think of yourself as more superior.
• Having a belief about Jesus being the only way to God should be far from intolerant or negatively judgmental - on the contrary should be a loving plea to come to God on His terms.  When presented correctly, friends should feel loved and flattered that you care enough for their well being, not hated because you’re coldly trying to get “converts.”
• People from Missouri are out of touch.
• We don’t change people, God does.
• Living out the myth of individualism is a path that leads to hurt

270 people showed up (we were 140 last week), another decision to follow Jesus, TONS of first time attendees, great feedback and just a TON of overall excitement!  (As proven with my cunning use of the exclamation mark.)

This keeps getting more fun.