Cul-de-Sacs

The ad in the Sunday newspaper promoted a new development in the country, about two hours away. The development features large wooded tracts, with a number of the lots being on cul-de-sacs. People often talk about home ownership being part of the American dream. Sometimes I wonder if that dream is really home ownership on a cul-de-sac. We idealize the cul-de-sac life – the quiet end of a street, where kids can play safely and where we’re not bothered by strangers who are driving through to some other destination. It makes me wonder: does the cul-de-sac dream spill over into your church? Do many of the members hold to the unspoken ideal of a nice, quiet church where they know everyone and where they’re not bothered by strangers? Of course, no one will publicly admit to feeling this way, but take a look around for the signs. Do “non-residents” feel welcome? Is there a unique language that is only understood by people who live there? If you look at their activities, are the “play dates” only with those that they already know well? Are “safe” ministry ideas prioritized over ones that are riskier or more adventuresome? I’d like to live on a cul-de-sac too. And if I’m honest, there are days when I want my church to be one. I just know that’s not what God wants. It’s easy to receive my blogs by email. Just sign-up on Feedburner by clicking here.]]>