Where The Heart Is

I hate awkward conversations. Not the faux sort of conversations, like when random guys and random girls have to discuss the weather because said something a bit presumptuous. I am talking about the hard conversations in which you have to disappoint people, or admit you were wrong, or admit you are embarrassed.

Of course, interactions in a high density area like a city are more common. So are awkward interactions, simply as a function of a statistical formula. You realize the fellow standing next to you doesn't speak English, and things become awkward. Someone asks you out to dinner, and you have already made plans. Someone cuts you off, and then steps out of the car and reveals herself to be a hassled mother with four children.

But this is surely where grade and forgiveness should be most often exercised. Surely it is in the Christian's line of duty to relieve that awkwardness, to take the socially painful route and be kind and be generous.

This extends to churches. A vibrant, healthy congregation is one that accepts the awkwardness and pain of being forced to live near and worship with very odd people. White people, black people, rich people, poor people, educated people and illiterate people must all somehow populate the church.

Some churches, of coure, try to limit this interaction. A part of the reason behind the White Flight was a desire to be away from the awkwardness. However, this created an ossified church culture. The white, wealthy suburban churches stayed out in the white, wealthy suburbs. The inner city, poor churches, of all races, stayed isolated in their original neighborhoods. Only recently have reformers stepped in to fill this gap. Some, such as the Wesleyan Church, are acting entirely out of character. What had been a rural and small town denomination known primarily for entire sanctification and teetotaling is now reinvesting in the inner city. This is a sign of the changes happening within the church. We are bridging the divide, at last, but there is still so much to be done,