Metaphysical Church Listing
I know this has been mentioned the last few weeks and I have been thinking about it. Here are some thoughts on the subject. This is a bit of a mash-up, but I wanted to get it out there.
Dan mentioned wanting ideas about what to say to people who call looking for a metaphysical church to help them out.
I know it's fun to think of all sorts of flippant answers and comebacks to strange calls but the way I see it this could really be used to help these people out. Sort of a ministry w/o being a ministry does that make sense?
If someone is digging through the yellow pages looking for help from a metaphysical church then they must be fairly open minded. This could also be a sign they are grasping from something to hold onto their last straw so to speak.
If I was to receive a call from the add I think this is probably how I would try to approach it:
* Honesty should be the first response. We really are not a metaphysical church, but we are a church and maybe if you explained the need you had we might still be able to help you.
* Try to help. Honestly try to understand their situation and try to help them out given the context of what we (I) believe.
* No Pressure. No forceful push of religion my belief is the only belief type of stuff. That kind of attitude really bugs me.
If they want to continue the conversation after that then there is the opening to understanding the situation and possibly trying to help them out.
I really do see this as an opportunity and not a mistake. I believe everything happens for a reason good or bad. It's funny that we are listed there but it really could help someone out.
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Chris S., Monday, 2-12-07 11:00 AM
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re: Metaphysical Church Listing
I agree: there's always some chance (however slight) that a person reaching out to us happens to be in just the right place spiritually to listen to the real Truth, not just the easy answer they're hoping to get.
And in any case we are always required to be "...prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." Of course, we're also commanded to "do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander" (1 Peter 3:15-16)
It's difficult not to feel a bit hard an cynical, though, about the average person who is seeking a "metaphyiscal church," because it is so very much more likely that they are Not in a place where they're open to answers more outside of their "box" of crystals and incantations.
Then again, I am less and less convinced that we're really allowed to be cynical...
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Annette, Monday, 2-12-07 2:03 PM
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re: Metaphysical Church Listing
I agree about seeing our mis-listing as an opportunity for conversation. personally, i find conversations with people about why they are where they are fascinating. i'd take a good guess that these people are looking for something more in their lives.
one thing that i find beautiful about city's edge is that we're made up of all kinds of people. by allowing people from the outside to reach in and touch us and ask questions, it can only help us to understand human nature... the ones we're supposed to be relating to!
i'll be honest and say that i'm actually more comfortable with someone who's "metaphysical" than someone who's "churchy"!! i find the former are more open to listening (as long as they think we are too). my experience with the "churchy" ones is that they want to hand out the answers but have a harder time exploring new ideas.
thank you, Chris, for bringing it up.
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christina, Monday, 2-12-07 3:48 PM
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