Church Visit: Hope Fellowship

Being an unemployed minister has given me the opportunity to visit some other churches. I have tried to use the time to visit a variety of churches: Episcopalian, traditional Baptist, contemporary Baptist, etc. This morning, I decided (the girls were out of town) to visit one of those pop churches - Hope Fellowship.

This church is right out of the youth ministry church playbook: casual atmosphere, praise music, "relevant" sermon. The "worship center" looked like all of these churches: dark lighting, Pottery Barn paint, comfy chairs and a stage.

The event began with a concert by the band. They play for about half an hour. I am not a big fan of P&W concerts, so I did not find the "evangelical nursery rymes" particular fulfilling.

Next, we did celebrate communion. Unfortunately, it was done with neither intention or reverence. It almost seemed like there was little thought given to it. The ushers handed out elements to everyone present - regardless if one was a Christian or not - read the Corinthians passage, and we took communion. It took about five minutes.

Communion was followed by a slew of announcements and thanks for the coffee ministry, the computer ministry, the parking ministry, etc. And then the sermon.

The preacher seemed like a sincere and good guy; of course he was dressed like all these guys are dressed: untucked American Eagle button down shirt, faded jeans, Garth Brook mike, and spikey hair. I do not want my pastor to look like a banker, but I also do not want him to look like an MTV VJ.

As I expected, the sermon light on theology and heavy on application. He explicated - i.e. read - Luke 5:5-10 (interestingly, he used the Living Bible) and came up with the following analysis. It was the final sermon in a series called "The Office." Today's question was "Would Jesus hire you?" He explained that Jesus would hire you - like he did Peter - if you pass the following tests. Jesus used this tests - as shown in Luke - to hire the disciples:

1. Bias toward action test
- be a "get it done" person

2. Can you follow directions test
- support the agenda of those in charge

3. Who deserves the credit test
- do your best even if you do not get a pat on the back

4. Grand vision test
- sacrifice your vision for the larger vision

The conclusion of the sermon demonstrated the quagmire that all of these churches face: biblical fundamentalism with American capitalism. In this sermon, he concluded by challenging the group to drop everything and follow Christ like Peter did. Then, he watered it down by saying do not quit your job, do not feel the need to abandon "the success thing," and be an action-oriented, direction-following, credit-giving, vision-following worker.

The entire "Would Jesus hire you?" premise notwithstanding, the sermon made me ask more questions than it gave me answers. How does one follow Jesus at work? He did not answer. Surely being a Christian is more than being action-oriented, following directions, working without credit, and submitting to company goals?

Is there more?