Write About Now

Tonight I got to attend a wonderful service at City Church. In addition to great music (often present in Nashville services, but especially in a congregation which includes Derek Webb and many other pros and semi-pros), a meaningful communion time, and the best sermon I’ve ever heard on Genesis 2, the service also included something I’ve never witnessed at any other church.

After the singing and announcements and before the sermon, the pastor spoke for a few moments on the vision of City Church. He briefly explained the reason for this emphasis (“we cast the vision, celebrate the vision where we see it happening, and ask people to commit to the vision”—why must everything be in alliterative sets of three?), and then asked the congregation which part of the vision they wanted to hear more about this week. The consensus was culture (I don’t think all the vision elements started with C) and he shared a concise but very thoughtful explanation.

All of this is unusual enough, but what I found even more refreshing was that he paused after his comments and asked, “Does anyone have any questions about what I just shared?” He waited for at least 45 seconds (which doesn’t seem like a long time until you’re in front of a group asking for feedback) and then, amazingly, received a good question (“How do we continue to celebrate Christ and keep from focusing inwardly to just feel good about our own healthy culture?”) which he answered quite well.

Then the process repeated: “Does anyone want to respond to that question?” And, amazingly again, two more people offered helpful questions and comments which he restated for the benefit of the whole group and then responded to briefly but thoroughly. The whole thing took about six minutes.

The pastor, who then launched into a brilliant sermon on the biblical definition of maleness and femaleness, probably didn’t think much about this dialogue. It seems to be the norm for two year-old City Church. But his willingness to devote weekly service time to communicating the vision, and the respectful, open way he facilitated the moment, says more about the church culture than even the well-spoken answers he gave.

For once, a discussion about culture actually built culture. Corporate America should be hiring this guy.