As much as I like to change things up once in a while, like repainting a wall color or moving the furniture, there is comfort in the familiar.
Take for example our church’s annual Memorial Day picnic. We knew what would be served, because it’s the same every year. In the car on the way there, we joke about the ghetto way we serve corn every year, directly from the can. Sure enough, we were not disappointed. There is the usual spicy noodles, tea eggs, hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken wings. And for dessert, various kinds of sweet bean soups, apple pie, and cake. And of course watermelon. No surprises, except one. Lo and behold, there was a new item this year – yam.
I am trying to separate what is for me true spiritually growing experience and what is merely familiar and comfortable about our church. And when I visit other churches, I cannot make my opinions about the church based on the lack of familiarity. I have to focus in on what is the core of a vibrant church that matches what God calls us to. Since we have been at the same church for 20 years, all other churches will seem strange, uncomfortable, unfamiliar. It’s like that feeling of moving into a new house. It’s exciting to be in a new home, but you don’t know where everything is.