When you walk in the front door of "church" you see something... culture. Either you "fit" or you don't, at least that is what stats tell us... we decide which church to attend based on our cultural preferences. But there is also something else that comes into play... and that is perspective. From our standpoint and a child's view, things can be entirely different! How do we "see" church?
When you are new to an area, and you visit the church down the road, everyone seems to be a bit nervous... but after the kids love the place, you console yourself with the idea that at least the kids are getting something out of this experience. Maybe as time goes on you also find some good, even great things about "your" church. Then you start to see the "masks" come off, one at a time... until everyone is comfortable enough with you to "tell you like it really is" ...and maybe you really didn't want to know. Politics.
They say that religion and politics are two things you should avoid in a conversation... but what if it happens to be both on the same topic? Soon you loose your excitement about going to church... at that point you can't even hear the message, for the memories floating around in your brain... it can be a drag. God tells us in His word not to gossip... but somehow you have been infected, and you too can't help yourself from bringing the experience home with you... just stop going to church?
Ask yourself why McDonald's is so successful... it may not be the healthiest choice on the block, but they focus on the kids and their experience! "Playland" is a major attraction for kids, the fun and the atmosphere of other kids having fun seems to send everything else into obscurity. Why? Kids love fun and friends... heck they will even eat healthy if they are around others having fun doing it. So it is with church, kids could care less if you have a problem with the music leader or the pastor... the thing that troubles them is if it bothers you enough to kept them from their friends next week!
Jesus focused on children, He kept His messages strait and to the point, with the next generation in mind...
Jesus said, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:3)
...Church wasn't meant for "politics" it was meant for children, it wasn't designed to be a measure of control on families, rather the freedom to see God. "God is love" the Bible says, and so little of love is shared where it should be the very focus and source. Children love church because they can only see the love, friendships and the fun... we do well to get some of their perspective... "unless you turn and become like children". Is it possible we could use a new pair of glasses? Ones that can see as a child does?
Don't get me wrong, I am against what is wrong in the established "church" ...but I am a 100% for what is right! There are people that are so focused and self-sacrificing in order that any child that visits church can experience love an friendship. They plan the whole week on relevant messages, coupled with activities that calm and soothe some of the most stressed children out there. My wife taught Sunday School for 20 years, since she was an older teen... her kids loved her and still do. Some of the best people on the planet are your children's Sunday School Teachers... why? They serve in love.
"Whoever wants to become great among you shall be your servant" (Matthew 20:26)
The landscape of the Church would look a lot differently if we took those words to heart, and made our desire one of service when we attended church. How can I serve people? Even the most stubborn abstinent ones? How can I show love, and give of myself on purpose? I know some churches have the whole "department" thing all locked up... and wouldn't let you help if their lives depended on it. But if you do find a place you can serve and help others... you would be blessing the next generation in ways that will make it's mark in eternity! Even in the worst times of my life I could recall how good it was in Sunday School... and how precious God was to me then.
When you walk into a McDonald's, are you aware of the politics in the kitchen? Do you hear the squabbling and back-biting? NO. You just see the smiling faces out their focusing on helping your children have a good time (even though they are spoiled brats)! They do this as if their paycheck depends on it... because it does! SO it is with our attitudes in Church or if we are just attending, sometimes we keep the next generation from the best parts of life... just because we are self-righteous and we think we are sooooo much better than that! Sometimes we need to descend from our high-horses long enough to see
what we can do to help, instead of hinder.
You may be fed-up with the "politics" in Church...
IF that is the case... maybe it's high time you checked out the "Playland?"