Love

A friend and colleague of mine, Pastor Jen Moore, from Gateway Trinity Lutheran and I met over coffee one morning. We expressed our mutual desire to make more friends that are closer to our age. We met at a cute little coffee shop off Metro Pkwy called Cadeau Café. Our little group began to grow as we invited more friends. Being that we are both pastors, occasionally we’d throw in a comment or two that involved some deeper thinking. But by and in large, it was an unplanned and spontaneous conversion. As the gatherings continued, the group grew sizably.

Eventually, we decided that it would be a good idea to market our gatherings to outsiders. So, we did a relaunch. On our flyers, we indicated that the group would discuss “faith-based Christian topics.” Then, at our next gathering, not a person showed up. This was after we rebranded. Not even the regulars came. It was Jen and I gathered around the large empty tables by ourselves. Embarrassingly, we even had discussion questions ready at every empty chair.

In my humble opinion, this story has nothing to do with the lack of spirituality within the younger generation. Instead, it is a commentary on Christianity today. The lack of attendance couldn’t have been because Jen or I are poor company, again, it was successful before we gave it a Christian label. Like it or not, we have an identity crisis. The labels we use, like “Christian” means something totally different depending on who hears it.  

The words of Gandhi come to mind, “if it weren’t for Christians, I’d be a Christian.” The thing is though… in my experience, Christians are lovely people. That is, when we are honestly trying to live like Jesus. Our growth runs in tandem with our commitment to love and serve others. Even Jesus rejected the institutional religion of his day. Why? Because they had gotten confused about the difference between the letter vs. the spirit of the law. They became obsessed with the question of who is included and excluded. At the end of the day, the Church is not ours. The Church belongs to God.

Together, we profess a loving and expansive God. The love of God knows no limits. This God’s grace never falls short. The task ahead of us is not about changing God, but instead, it’s about accurately identifying the God we know in our heart. Love will not send people running for the hills. Jesus is not the problem. Love is the answer and Jesus knew that. Love is our north star and Jesus lived that. Everything about our religion comes secondary to love. Soon, love will be synonymous with Christian. God will continue to reveal God’s love to us. The day will come when we know nothing but love.

Did I mention love?

Pastor Lucas

Photo by Jon Tyson