Ugh…Not Again!

I recently ordered carpet for my new house in Vegas. It was a painstaking process that took me many phone calls and trips to the carpet store. I spoke to Christine many different times. She lives in Vegas and works at the carpet store that my installer wanted me to order from. She seemed really nice. After many hours of phone tag, messages and talking I chose the carpet and completed my order.

It was at this point that our relationship got really weird. She wished me good luck in my move and then finally asked why I was moving to Vegas. I told her that my husband and I were moving to start a new church on the Strip. Stunned silence followed for about 30 seconds. “You’re doing what?” “We’re starting a new church for people who work on and live near the Strip.” “Oh?” (awkwardly, like in the form of a question). “What kind of church are you starting? Is it Buddist or Hindu or something else?” “It’s a non-denominational Christian Church. We’re hoping to meet in a movie theater.” “What’s it like?” “It’s fun and contemporary; a mix of Saturday Night Live and Conan O’Brian with rock music.” “Ok, well, good luck.” She started to say that she would like me to stop in when I get settled to say, “Hi”, but quickly recovered and said, “If you’re ever near our store you should stop in so we can welcome you to the area? (Yes, I meant to end that with a question mark. AWKWARD!).”

Let the awkwardness of the new church plant begin!!!!

I’ve been spoiled because Forefront is an established church. I do get questions about who we are and what we believe, but it’s all centered around the fact that we’re an established church. We have a name, bank account, office space, etc. It’s a legitimate church!

The problem with new churches is that they seem so strange to non-Christians. The whole concept is freaky. “You’re doing what? You moved all the way from there to here for what? How are you getting paid? What’s your church’s name? Does your husband have a job? Where’s your building? You don’t have a building? Are you a cult?” And on and on…

I dealt with all these questions 11 years ago when we moved to Virginia Beach. Now I have to answer them all over again and this time we’re going to live there for a year before we even have Sunday morning services. What are they going to think this time?!

If I’m not careful I’ll start to get annoyed by all these conversations. If I’m not careful I’ll forget the reason why we’re doing this…to bring people to God who are far from Him.

Maybe their relationship with God will begin with one of these questions. Maybe their confusion about the whole thing will lead them to find out what we’re all about. Maybe my conversation with someone will lead to a relationship. It’s a good conversation starter; you wouldn’t believe the amount of random people that I’ve gotten to tell about this church plant. People think we’re crazy!

I guess my point is this: Even though it’s uncomfortable, it’s totally worth it to invest in conversations with people. Even if you can’t answer all their questions and you fear that you sound like an idiot, it’s still worth it. So go ahead and tell them that even though your husband is working from home or at Panera Bread, he is actually working. And that you’re not a cult!

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