What Kind Of Church Are We?

I love that question, but I will confess I don't always answer it very well.  So much of our answer depends on the context of the question.  So interpreting the context of the question should point us in the right direction.  For instance, someone may be asking, “What kind of church are we?” and wanting to know our basic fundamental doctrinal orientation.  If that were the case we would share our statement of faith, and go on about that sort of thing.  I have become so accustomed to this question that this is (unfortunately) the place where I often start. I need to learn a new pattern.
 
Here are some candidates for a new default answer.  Instead of talking about this that or the other belief we might have, or how we are different than this that or the other church, maybe we should answer with things like this.  We are a loving church. We are a friendly church.  We are a coffee drinking church.  We are a bunch of feet washers.  We are a happy church.  We are a laid back church. (contrary to popular misconception Stuffiness is not next to Godliness)  There are all sorts of things I could say about our church which would actually give them much more useful information then telling them about our fundamental doctrinal understandings.  
 
How do you describe our church?  What is your favorite expression about us?  Is the measure and corresponding description of our faith community one that matters or is it based in some objective sentence.  Consider how you have been answering the question lately and see if you too might need to think of something different to say.
 
This week will be talking about how our church can be life giving. It will surely give you fuel for a new default answer.
 
Hope to see you at church and all the great opportunities this Sabbath is bringing!
 
Pastor Chris