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05/18/2003 Entry: "Why do people go to church? (again)"
My colleague and friend Kim Fabricius has written a hymn which I think sheds some useful light on the recent conversations about going to church. It isn't written in particularly churchy language -- it's the first hymn I've ever sung that mentions pubs, for example -- and it addresses some of the issues that have been discussed around the blogosphere over the last few days. I'm grateful for his permission to reproduce it here. If you want to sing it, it was written for the Scottish tune Kelvingrove
Why do people go to church?Why do people go to church? Why do we worship God?While our neighbours lie in bed, why do we act so odd?As we fold our hands and pray,as we hear what preachers say,as we pass around the tray, we would become the church.
Why do people go to church? Why do we get enthused?While our neighbours work or play, why do we pack the pews?As we sing our psalms and songs,as we learn what's right and wrong,as we try to get along, we would become the church.
Why do people go to church? Why do we offer praise?While our neighbours sit in pubs, why do we stand amazed?As forgiven we forgive,as in gratitude we give,as we practise how to live, we would become the church.
Here's why Christians come to church: because we've heard the call,we're responding to the grace of God, the Lord of all.We're not here because we choose,we're not here to be amused,we are here to hear Good News and so to be the church.
©Kim Fabricius 2003 Used by permission
