church

been thinking a lot about church lately and a whole boatload of things related to it, but what i want to talk about today is assumptions in church. what are the assumptions we have about church? about the people that go to church? what are these assumptions based on or formed off of? when we talk about assumptions we realize there's a subjective component to them, ie someone has to form an assumption. if its based on empirical research or fact, it's not an assumption, it is what it is.

whether the assumption is true or not is not entirely relevant, the more important thing is to realize that yes, we are making assumptions and then determine if these assumptions are beneficial or harmful.

some assumptions i've noticed at church, we'll just talk about our regular worship service:
- our church is not a singing church, we just dont get energetic for worship
- christians in general SHOULD enjoy musical worship
- congregants respond better to contemporary music as opposed to hymns
- people can only sit through about 4 or 5 songs
- we need 4 or 5 songs to really engage people
- our church isnt ready for other artistic expressions of worship (art, dance, etc)
- our churchgoers don't read the bulletin
- congregants should respond in some way to the sermon
- a response song is necessary after the sermon to help people respond

now obviously some of these assumptions may be dead right or wrong, but these are the questions we should be asking ourselves. within your own church's context, what are the assumptions that are made? not just in worship, what about with your children's program? what about with finding leaders to serve? what are the assumptions in sports ministries? identify the assumptions, and challenge them to see if they are helpful or harmful in achieving your church's mission and goal.