We Are Not Cool

Pastor Ben recently shared a link to an article entitled “In Praise of the Boring, Uncool Church.” I found it a very interesting and relatable read. Around the Church Office we will often joke and say, “We can’t do that. That’s too cool and we are not a cool church.” It is meant in fun, but really, it is true (at least according to the world’s standards), and it is intentional.

This quote from the article really captured my attention - “…relevance is no substitute for reverence and indeed may compromise it. Things like confession and repentance, daily obedience to the whole counsel of Scripture, and quiet commitment to spiritual disciplines aren’t cutting edge…but these things make up a healthy, sustainable, ‘long obedience in the same direction’ faith.”

As I read the article, I thought about our church family—not flashy or fancy, but steady, faithful, and dependable. So many have committed marriages that are healthy and loving. Many have endured great hardships and pain but have weathered the storms with their faith intact. Humility, transparency, and integrity are common themes, with the most common thread being their deep commitment to Jesus and the desire to be more like Him each day.

I often describe Grace to others as “a church full of salt-of-the-earth people who love Jesus and one another.” Although maybe not cool by the standards of the culture, you encourage me and challenge me in the most powerful and amazing ways! You teach me with your lives that Jesus is enough, the Gospel is preeminent, Scripture is foundational, and eternity is worth living for. Evidence of your faith is found in your day-to-day obedience to God, your commitment to pursue Him in every area of life, and your commitment to serve and love others. Although none of this is cool according to the world, it is so much more beautiful—you are so much more beautiful. And I’ll take that over cool any day!

BTW…if you haven’t already read the article Ben shared that inspired this writing, I highly recommend it!

In Praise of the Boring, Uncool Church

~~ Nita Hallman