I spent some time with a friend last night who has not gone to church in a while. Its not that he is against church but he has a problem with the way it is structured. He is looking for a sense of community and what he gets is a chance to sit down and listen to other people talk. Although he disagrees with it at many levels, he is ok with the fact that there are “professionals” on the stage but he doesn’t like that there are no “acceptable” ways for him to participate. The regular attendee is forced to be a passive spectator of the show. He would rather be a participant. So he is proposing that he become “church fan”
If you have seen the Coke commercial for “football town” where the fans talk about how their participation is important to the game you can begin to understand where Church fan comes from. He wants his voice to be heard and to make a difference. He thinks church fan should become the next reality television show. Here is how he sees it.
Get to church early and start tailgating. Share your good food and beer with people who are going in to the “game” and try to get them really excited about being there. Then as you make your way to your seat, let people know how excited you are to be there. When the service begins you are the fan. If something is done or said that you like let it be known. Cheering is acceptable. If there is something that goes on that you don’t like shout it out–BOOOOO!!!! You are a fan. Your church needs you. Hi-fives and belly bumps with your neighbor should be expected. You video the whole event and show it to others. You could have pre-game and post-game interviews to see how well the game plan (vision, values and mission of the church) was accomplished. You could have some color commentators give insights into the music, and message for those who are watching from home. They could highlight the “keys to the game” and evaluate the performance of the professionals to allow church fans to participate even from home. If he had a video man and one fellow fan he would start this Sunday. He would visit a different church each week and celebrate, cheer and boo. He is ready to be a church fan and get in the game. (anyone want to join him just let me know)
His guess is that he would get escorted out or treated like the Cubs fan of game 6 who made the “immaculate deflection”. He does not think church is ready for church fans. But imagine how the “game” would change if the spectators became more involved. Imagine if the actions of the people in the pews could actually influence the way the game ends, for better or for worse. Imagine how the people on stage would prepare if they knew they were going to get instant interaction and feedback from those in the audience. Imagine if churches valued the voice and the input of the “twelfth man”. Imagine if “churchtown” needed us as much as “footballtown”.