Many styles...many theologies...one Jesus!

There are a lot of paths in this world that lead the same direction.

As a pastor I have 47 Sundays a year where I have the honor of leading Peace Lutheran Church in worship.  We have a very unique style which I appreciate.  We have an understanding of God which is very helpful.  We’re on the path that God called us to.

For the other five Sundays a year I have the opportunity to join other congregations on other paths.  While at our cabin for the last couple weeks I got to worship in two very different churches. 

New Life Christian Church is a classic non-denominational/Baptist community of faith.  Worship involves a lot of singing…and long preaching (maybe I should take note!).  At New Life they have a very conservative understanding of Scripture and faith.   Other than a few women who lead singing, it’s men who lead the service (from the preaching down to ushering).   They have communion every week, but simply see the bread and juice as ‘emblems,’ reminding people of Jesus’ death on a cross (with no sense of Jesus’ specific presence in the break and juice).   I got to hear a passionate (and mostly Biblical) argument for adult baptisms by immersion.  Several times I caught myself thinking, “Wow, that’s not how I see that at all!”  On the other hand, the style of worship was quite casual and enjoyable, making me feel right at home.  For that one Sunday morning I joined the people of New Life in worshipping the God who came for all of us.  God’s presence filled the service whether I agreed with everything or not.  New Life Christian Church is on the path that God called them to.

The next Sunday we went to a very traditional ELCA congregation.  They definitely shared my understanding of God’s grace.  I got to go to the communion rail and hear, “This is the body of Christ, given for you!”  The service was ‘by the book,’  with all the standing & sitting, reading & responding, robes & formality that one would expect from an ELCA community.  I don’t find this type of service to be very helpful to those who did not grow up with it.  New Christians can find it pretty weird.  For that one Sunday I joined the people at First Lutheran Church in worshipping the God who came for all of us.  God’s presence filled the service whether I agreed with everything or not.  First Lutheran Church is on the path that God called them to.

All too often Christians try to draw lines in the sand, determining who the ‘true believers’ are.  Perhaps we need to learn to agree to disagree on some things…and keep the focus on the God who came for us.  We may be on different paths…but those paths lead to the same savior.  It's about Jesus...not us!