Just to clear things up...

So, I have been getting quite a few e-mails, private messages, and phone calls about my first post, Breaking up with the Megachurch. The communication generally falls into one of two camps: those that are having the same experience, or those that want to reach out and make things better for me at church. I appreciate both responses and would like to add my thoughts so that confusion and hurts can be avoided.

First off, I want to let those in the first group know- you are not alone. Many people, from all over the country, are experiencing the same feelings. How do we respond to this? We could be bitter, turn from God, and try to bring down the church. I beg you to resist this temptation. I want the church to be great and do great things. Megachurches have the unique ability to reach a large portion of the community for good. We should recognize these efforts and either work to make things better from inside the church, or find another church that suits us better while wishing the best for our former church. No matter where we are, we have to realize that we have one God and "we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28 ESV)

To the second group, I so appreciate your reaching out to me. The kindness and genuine concern shown has been overwhelming. I would love to be in fellowship with you even if I venture to another church. But just because my situation may be relieved, it doesn't negate the fact that there are many more who are hurting (see the first group).  We need to ask ourselves:  how can we make sure that no one else gets lost in church? What makes Christianity attractive to non-believers is the agape (unconditional) love that is extended from the church. This is different from philia love (love amongst friends) or storge love (love of family). It's easy to limit our love to a small group of friends and family at church, but what happens when go beyond this love and step into the agape zone?  Looking at Acts  2:42-47, we can see that the church will grow.

My first post was not meant as a slam to my (former?) church. Rather, I hope it would serve as a wake-up call to megachurches everywhere and start a conversation so that everyone who enters a church will know that they are valued. I genuinely believe that Christ is the only hope for our world and that the church (body of Christ) is the vehicle for delivering that hope. It can't fall on leadership's shoulders alone, though. Somehow we need to embolden the laity to step up their relations with others both in and out of the church. 

I wish I had some answers on how best to build bridges in the church. Do you have any ideas? Share them below or message me and add your voice to the conversation.