“The Christian Right isn’t Christian or right” is the belief of 80% of New Zealanders. New Zealand author and pastor Alan Jamieson surprised us with that observation last week at our West Virginia retreat. Alan was with us to share his research on why people leave church. His findings are captured in his recent book, “Churchless Faith.”
Jamieson went on to share that most people in New Zealand, a loyal Western ally, are horrified by our lack of ethnic equality, actions in Iraq, arrogant attitude, and threatening economic crisis. They perceive that the Christian Right is a part of this. This mistrust saddened me…does it you?
Last week’s election results suggest that many people in the US share New Zealand’s perceptions. This also helps to explain the reasoning behind the recent “church leavers” as well. Here are three observations from Jamieson’s work:
- The church fails to be there at key points of pain - People are confused and frightened when they experience undeserved suffering or unanswered prayer. At these critical points it’s important that they are connected to people who authentically care and inspire hope.
The church acts like a rancher more than a shepherd – Ranchers care about the success of the operation while shepherds care about the sheep. People need assured that they are an important part of a deep purpose, not simply an unappreciated part of someone else’s.
- The church fails to help them discover the deeper meaning of life – People don’t just want to hear the same stories about Moses again. It’s vital that the church helps people discover the deeper meaning in life and helps them get beyond themselves to become a part of it.
New Zealand’s mistrust seemed to align with these three observations. In both cases it seems that we as Americans and as a church:
- Are no longer concerned about their pain
- Are most concerned about our own success
- Have lost a connection with the deeper yearnings in life
Jamieson is calling us back to “Soul Conversations and Authentic Relationships.“ Soul Conversations of purpose and meaning and Authentic Relationships that share in each other’s joys and sorrows.
Is Jamieson’s take on mistrust and “church leavers” too simplistic? Are “Soul Conversations and Authentic Relationships” significant to any healthy relationship?
