I am back in California. Getting reconnected to Katie and Claire and trying to get reorganized. I am speaking Sunday at Vintage Faith Church - instead of the normal message I had scheduled I will be leading a shorter devotional and setting up communion. Probably tie it into the resurrection and the cross since that is on my mind from the past couple of weeks.
As I am thinking about the past couple of weeks, I am reflecting on New Jersey culture and it is definitely different than California. I grew up in New Jersey and it is a place that doesn't have a ton of churches in comparison to the overall dense population. I talked to Fred, the pastor from Pascack Bible Church about it as he has been pastoring that church for over 25 years and knows the area. Fred was telling me about a few exciting things happening in some churches, but overall it isn't anything like some parts of the country where there are megachurches in almost every town.
I did however find that there was an openness to talking quite openly about things rather quickly. It seems a culture where you aren't afraid to express opinions.
In regards to various conversations I had, I ended up in quite a few conversations which talked about Christianity and the church.
- I had a talk with someone who said that it is OK what I believe in the Bible, but they have a different take on it and don't think the Bible is the one authoritative source for knowing God and is too restrictive.
- I had a talk with someone about why they don't believe in the resurrection story being real and that Jesus had some good teachings morally, but He was not the Son of God as we believe.
- I had a talk with the guy who picked me up to take me to the airport and he is part of the the Bahá’í Faith. Bahá’í s believe in one God, but believe all world faiths that all the world’s religions represent stages in the revelation of God’s will and purpose for humanity. He was very open in answering my questions about why he chose to become Bahá’í and what he feels about Christianity.
- When I was in a restaurant I saw that there was a book by the entry by a Christian author. I asked the hostess if that belongs to the restaurant or if someone left it there and she was very friendly and open talking about their beliefs.
- The fellow who sold me the tie may some sort of comment about "God knows everything". So I asked him if he believes in God and he said "Oh yes" and we talked about his beliefs.
So there is an irony of somewhat openness to talking pretty openly about opinions. As human beings we like to express our opinions and thoughts. Perhaps in New Jersey culture, there is a bit more of telling others what you think without as much reservation as other parts of the country. Now telling others what you think, doesn't translate into listening to someone tell you about Jesus. But the blunt openness was refreshing.
New Jersey would be a hard area to be leading a church, I think. As I am back in California I have a heart for church leaders in New Jersey as they are in a unique place to be in. Every area has its unique cultural barriers to the gospel and church. But I think New England and including New Jersey it is a lot tougher than many people may realize. So if you are a church leader in New Jersey, I will remember to pray for you as you are needed in such a widely diverse, populated, and not too many churches area. Thank you for being faithful to where God has you and somehow perhaps the openness of expressing opinions can somehow be used in furthering the gospel of Jesus and connecting with people. New Jersey - land of the Sopranos, Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi was about to start a 10 night run of concerts at the new arena in Newark. I pray for New Jersey.
