Over the years church and community has meant a lot to me. Generally speaking, I think they were meant to go hand in hand. Church best expressed is a people gathered and doing life together (as appropriate and healthy…so not weird commune style). As we look at plugging into a church community where we live now, I’ve been reminded of a story that has pretty deeply shaped my perspective on things and begins to flesh out this dynamic of real community and life. It’s a story about a friend I met overseas - a painter who struggled to find his own place in a community of faith.
The Painter’s Story
My friend, who was a great painter, lived a simple life. He didn’t have much in the way of clothing besides his painting clothes which were quite stained with paint and certainly nothing fancy. He had a deep desire to connect with a spiritual community though but he was constantly turned away from every church he went to due to his appearance. It wasn’t because of his character or behavior but simply because he didn’t fit the expected mold. He didn’t have the clean cut, dressed up, appearance that people expected.
A Lesson in Community
My friend’s experience had a profound impact on my understanding of church. It helped me realize that all too often we create a “country club” atmosphere - a social club - where people feel pressured to present a perfect image rather than being their authentic selves. We put on masks and perform for one another, rather than creating a space for genuine connection and transformative growth. We meet others expectations of normal rather then living into who we are and were made to be.
Ultimately, his story has helped me become more aware of the masks I wear and the fronts I put up in my own approaches to community (whether it’s church related or not). It’s taught me to focus on building community and meaningful relationships rather than perpetuating a superficial sense of self and surroundings. It helped me learn to prioritize coming as we are and being ok with the stains (whether real or metaphorical). And now I show up to church as I am, flip flops, messy clothes and all.