Choosing a Community to Lean On by Tami Cinquemani

We recently posted a clip of our worship leaders singing the famous Bill Withers song, "Lean on Me."  The song was sung at the end of our church service as the response to a sermon focused on community in Christ.  It began with a single vocalist who was joined, one-by-one, by four other singers arriving on the platform from the congregation.  The message of our need to follow Christ's directive to live in community was powerful, and many who were present—as well as many who later saw it on video—were moved and inspired.  Both the song and the singers were intentionally chosen as a representation of the gender, cultural, generational and spiritual diversity of our church community.

However, not everyone who saw the clip felt the same positive "community of Christ" moment described above.  Some questioned the value of using this popular 70's tune as a means to communicate a Godly message.  While we understand that there are some who place great value on separating the "secular" from the "sacred," we at FHC have leaned much more toward the model of Paul when he said in 1 Corinthians, "I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some."  

I found one comment particularly interesting (intentionally unedited):

“If this was a non-denominational church(which in all honestly it really is) I wouldn't have as much of a problem with, it would even be expected. But we should be a peculiar people and are held to a different standard. How is this church different from any other non-denom. church. how is this atmosphere going to help people grow spiritually in a world that is were they comforted right into complacency and indifference to spiritual standard that are put in place by the BIBLE! When you don't show respect for something you more then likely are not willing to make a stand for it. That is a hollow and fragile faith that when tested, I have seen in my own life during that period of time(FHC) in my faith broke down and it wasn't till I re-recommitted my life to the LORD and took it serious(respected it) that true change came and I had confidence and faith in the religion that I believe in.”

We always appreciate response to our posts and respect and learn from those with opinions not our own.  Without a doubt, this comment represents a group of people who are more traditional in their view of worship and the purpose of church.  I though it was interesting that the words could resonate with that group but also come across to me as an affirmation of what FHC has been intentionally trying to build for years.

Our goal at FHC has never been to be identified by our denomination.  Our goal is to be identified by Christ alone.  This may be out of the comfort zone for some who believe their uniqueness as a denomination is their special calling from God.  In that case, they probably would not find a church home at FHC. Those seeking “confidence and faith in the religion that [they] believe in,” will understandably choose to worship elsewhere.

FHC feels strongly that the “peculiarity” Christians of all denominations should be known for is the way we love – love each other and the world around us.  This means we will never meet the expectations of those looking for a church that strives to be known by the peculiarity of their twist on religious beliefs.

I’m thankful for the variety of churches that offer each individual a place to explore their faith.  My prayer is that, regardless of which church a person decides to attend, their experience gives them an understanding of Jesus’ love and grace that will make a difference in the world around them.

Tami Cinquemani