The Wandering Worshipper
This is the story of a journey where I knew where I was going, but not what I would find.
It began with an entirely irregular and wholly uninspired churchgoer thinking regular church attendance could be beneficial, and wanting to figure out a way to make it happen. I decided to attend services at houses of worship of all different sizes, shapes, colors, religions, and denominations – 33 in one year.
As the journey unfolded, I discovered I knew a lot less than I thought. Rather than the typical negative impressions of church, I encountered smiling, welcoming people; heard uplifting, not condemning, faith messages; learned that the differences in faith traditions are not so different; and discovered faith can transcend race.
The experience transformed me, and I found that there is a place for everyone, and everyone needs a place.
The Wandering Worshipper is an encouragement to put aside preconceived notions, explore church, and to seize the benefit of community worship wherever that may be.
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The Wandering Worshipper
A few of my experiences:
On the day they meet, a young woman and middle-aged guy release their inhibitions and disclose and discuss vexing, personal daddy/daughter issues. An elderly, immobile woman might start attending an apparently incompatible church, where the congregation embraces her and holds her hand until the moment she passes away. A black congregation may welcome its sole white member to talk about racism and slavery for Black History Month.
A few key learnings:
Church is the gardener of fruitful communities—sowing, tending, and reaping.
Where I was most different, I was most welcomed.
“They” taught me the meaning of “we.”
It’s true, you must be present to win.
We are not the same, but shared values and common human nature provide a basis for understanding and acceptance.
Like Mark Twain’s death, rumors of the negative are greatly exaggerated.
