Clique-less

My wife and I attended a couples night gathering at church last night, and what a great time of fellowship. We had a great time having some fun and meeting new people. It was truly an enjoyable time and experience. We got in the car to head home and discussed the evening... a seemingly fitting thing that most couples would do as well. At one point, she observed, "It wasn't clique-ish at all!"

Yet, when a gathering does have that sense and feel, it can frustrate and even destroy the sense of community.

Not every group is for every person. Not every interest, not every club is meant and designed to be an open, all-access pass. I get that boundaries is a sensitive topic these days, but they have their place and time and they serve an incredibly important purpose. I could give examples, but I think you're wise enough to understand how life and reality works; plus that's not really the direction I want to go with this perspective.

Having said that, if there is a place where people shouldn't feel like outsiders, for any reason, it's the church. Yet sadly, many people do. Some for personality reasons, others for much deeper issues and struggles. We all have our battles and conflicts, both before coming to Christ and that He is working out within us after salvation. So yes, life and relationships are complex.

While I think the church has come along way in creating a welcoming environment whereby someone can enter and feel as though they are surrounded by friends, there's still an ease with which cliques can occur and come into existence; sometimes unknowingly and unintentionally as well. Yet for the person who catches and recognizes it when they see it, the people who gather for church are more like acquaintances than friends.

You know people and you about them, but you don't truly "know" them. The depth of relationship is lacking. And that lack of quality relationships with believers eventually affects one's relationship with God. Or at least has the potential to do so. You find yourself knowing God and knowing about Him, but no longer truly "knowing" and learning about Him.

This is a troubling place to be, both in life and in faith.

On that note, pray this #communitySaturday, that regardless of what happens in community and society at large, that the church would not be known for its' cliques. Pray for a strengthening of the relationships and friendships that exist and pray for opportunity for new ones to be forged. May there be an understanding as interaction occurs, that the ground is level at Calvary. Pray the church would continue to be intention as their influence and ministry grows within the communities and region that they serve. Pray also that the power of Scripture and the work of the Holy Spirit would not be hindered as working agents to bring people closer to God. While Christianity has it's complexities, reflecting the character of Christ is fairly simple. It just not always easy.

May God use us for His glory.
Whomever and wherever people may be
Who need an encounter with Christ
Through those who follow Him.
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC