Synod leaders gathered in retreat in mid-January, to talk about the culture, church, and preaching. David Lose, professor at Luther Seminary, was our main speaker. He had some very thought-provoking things to say, a few of which I pass on to you here:

David began his presentations with a segment on stories. The stories you believe become real for you. Perception equals reality. Good salespeople know this, and help to create it. We are narrative beings—much of our life we experience through narrative. Stuff only makes sense when it’s placed in a story. All the fancy church words we use only make sense in story—including Jesus.

We don’t know our story anymore. That’s the claim David made, based on his experience, reading, and research. We don’t know our own story.

What happens to “church” when you don’t know the story?
1. Scripture loses its capacity to shape performative activity (making decisions). We don’t turn to the bible for help in making the thousands of decisions we face on a daily basis.
2. Scripture loses capacity to furnish “stories of reference”. We give our allegiance to the sources that we’re familiar with. We almost never share biblical stories (outside of preaching/teaching). When hearing each others’ stories we aren’t reminded of bible stories but TV/movies/books/video games instead.
3. What goes on “at church” makes less and less sense. We’re used to not understanding church - and it doesn’t bother us!

Wow. We’re used to not understanding church. Really?!! That’s what David proposed at the retreat. My first reaction was that doesn’t make sense—why would we continue doing things that we don’t understand? Then as I began to think about it more, I realized that may very well be true for many people.

So, I wonder, what do we do in church today that you don’t understand? How can I and others help you to better know and understand why we do what we do? What would help make worship better connect you to God?

I really do want to know what you think. E-mail me, call me, write me a note and put it in my mailbox at church.

Worshipping the risen Lord together with you,