The Uncomfortable Truth About Church
Let’s face it, church can be an awkward place. From forced handshakes with overzealous greeters to listening to fellow believers share their personal struggles, we’ve all felt the urge to retreat from the uncomfortable realities of life in the local church. But is this sense of awkwardness a hindrance or a gift?
Embracing the Awkwardness
According to Russell Moore, author of the foreword to Brett McCracken’s book, Uncomfortable: The Awkward and Essential Challenge of Christian Community, this sense of awkwardness can be a reminder that we don’t always know what to say or do. It can give us compassion for others who may be struggling with their own awkwardness. And it can remind us that we’re part of a humanity that has always struggled with feelings of inadequacy.
The Problem with Self-Protection
But often, we try to protect ourselves from this awkwardness. We want to appear confident and self-assured, even if it means deflecting the very reality that can draw us out of ourselves and toward wholeness. We may use humor or change the subject to avoid the intense moments that can make us feel uncomfortable.
What Our Readers Think
In July 2017, we asked our readers about their views on the church, particularly the awkward parts. Over 10,000 people responded, revealing some interesting insights into how we approach community as fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Some of the results are presented in the following infographic.
Infographic: How We View the Church
View the infographic below to see how our readers responded to questions about the church and community.
More Infographics
- Infographic: You Have More Time for Bible Reading than You Think
- Infographic: How Do You Read the Bible?
- Infographic: How Is Your Prayer Life?
- Infographic: What’s Your Take on Singleness, Dating, and Marriage?
Learn More
To learn more about Brett McCracken’s book, Uncomfortable: The Awkward and Essential Challenge of Christian Community, visit crossway.org/Uncomfortable.
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