It's weird, as I was reading some articles recently about how un-churched we are here in Eugene and in Oregon in general, I was unsettled. It seemed to say people here don't care or aren't "into" God. I didn't buy that implication. Eugene is definitely a "spiritual place". Most people I meet have some spiritual side to their life they are wrestling with...though some are definitely creative in their spiritual openness. In fact, spiritual concepts of almost any type will fly here. Not all may agree with you, but most people are open to "your spiritual journey" and admire your search. Some may feel they've arrived in a safe place. Some land in Eastern religious ideas like Buddhism or Hinduism or Taoism, for some, modern variations brought to us through New Age concepts are more appealing, for others, they look to more "natural" religious ideas such as Wicca and its variations, others like the feel of a Unitarian "all religions are equal...many paths to the same god" concept. In Eugene, where individualism reigns supreme, its no surprise that it carries over to spiritual things. We tend to pick and choose what works for us...kind of a spiritual smorgasbord. It all points to a spiritual openness, a search of the soul & spirit. I read where only 27% of Oregonians claim any affiliation with any established religion (not just Christianity). A percent or two each are Buddhists, Jewish, Mormon, Jehovah Witnesses, Unitarian etc... which left 20% of Oregonians affiliated with a Christian church. That means 80% of our population have not experienced a knowing of Jesus in a meaningful way (yet). So it makes me wonder. Is it that they are not interested? Most I talk to like Jesus, He seems like a pretty cool guy, someone we need to see more of in our world. Jesus-likeness and what He stood for, to most people is desireable. So why the disconnect? Is it that they have not seen Jesus expressed in a way that is attractive to them? Maybe they don't like what they've seen? Maybe what we "say we believe" isn't evident in how we live out our church life? Maybe the way we "do church" is only attractive to the 20%? So what about the other 80%? At ECHO we hope to be intentionally different for the sake of the 80%. Its a challenge, yet a privilege, to give people a safe place to "explore" the love of God...in the hope they may "experience" it personally...so they can "express" it authentically to others! We have to believe Jesus is not content to reach only the 20%...His heart aches for the 80% who have been wounded, disillusioned, or confused by what "church has presented". Our hope is to be refreshingly different for the sake of the 80%. Jesus spoke of the shepherd leaving the 99 sheep to find the one who had wandered off and was in danger. I have to believe He'd leave the 20 sheep to pursue the 80 who had wandered off as well. That's His hearts motivation and it should be ours!be God's!
Brian O
Lead Pastor dude, ECHO
3 comments:
I'm as cynical about the way church is done as anyone. Apparently you have experienced some of the same things that have left me wanting more... So what makes ECHO different than the others? Are you just another pastor with another set of programs?
Tell us who you are, what you value, what your mission is. If you're targeting the disenfranchised and unchurched, you'll be carefully scrutinized (not for righteousness or sinlessness, but for authenticity and true commitment to love God and love the people around you.) You talk of the church as a servant of the community... tell us about how ECHO is living that out (not the plan for it, how are you DOING it?)
Your Craigslist ad caught my attention, because I've struggled to find meaningful body life in Lane County churches, and you seem to resonate with that. So... convince me that ECHO is worth a look.
I'd love to get together and have coffee to answer some of your questions, let me know when is good for ya? ECHO is assembling a core group as we speak...people with a similar heart...seeing the need for "a church for people who don't like church" and are willing to do something about it! We are NOT a program driven church nor a church building to impress you church. We are a relational church...focused on "loving others" out of our love for God. We are about "doing life together" in authentic relationships so our church does all we do through a relational funnel. We serve our community by serving our spheres of relationships in practical and tangiable ways. The examples are too many to list here, but the principle is, as we serve as Jesus did those around our life...as individuals, as a church, we will have greater impact than pouring all our resources into programs & buildings...plus, most importantly we'll reach a bunch of people the established church isn't reaching...and in some cases, is actually turning off and pushing away. We choose to be intentionally, different, simple, authenticly relational, relevantly creative and team oriented in all we do. Let's talk some...
Be God's!
Brian O
Lead Pastor, ECHO
Here's a recent example, a person heard of a mom who recently had major cancer surgery and would be on chemo for the next several months. She and her family has many needs, but some people went to "dinners done right" prepared a weeks worth of meals for the family, paid for it, and then delivered it to the family. This is a simple tangible expression of God's love for them, through us. Since then relationship is growing, and ongoing care is happening, as possible. A pizza is dropped off for dinner, unannounced. Money is being raised to try to help offset the financial burden. Prayers & words of encouragment are ongoing. We can't meet all the needs, but by serving her & her family relationally, we believe God does something in them & in us. Let's talk more...
Be God's!
Brian O
Lead Pastor, ECHO
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