'...and you call that a church?' Attention all Ridge Church Critics

December 9, 2010.

Nope. This isn't a lashing out. I've just heard a whole lot of stuff about my church (join the club, right?); that got me thinking. This poem is for all Christians: Ridge Church members or not; fans or critics, in the ff contexts:

• Members: Some are clichés, some true; in any case we can never have enough self examination, right? Love u! 
• Non-members: See how this may apply to ur attitude toward and in ur own church. Love in Christ. x!
• Fans: We love you! You're the bomb. Together always in Christ.
• Critics: All I ask of u is an open mind. To paraphrase Rob Bell (Google him oo ton!): we love everybody... and you're next! :-)

5 Questions
So… um, just what do you think of this church?
Yep. Accra Ridge Church- what do you say?
Walk with me, let’s do a soul search
We’ll re-examine some perceptions today.
This is a true story- in four weeks
I heard two strangers throw mud on our name.
Got mad that they don’t know; yet they speak
Till God reminded me: I used to do the same.

I’ve heard this church called a club, social scene.
Member or not, you’ve probably heard it too.
These days, I tend to disagree
For many here, this is more than a venue.
So Question number 1- where do you belong:
Do you come to seek- or to hang out?
What if your motive is all wrong?
Dig deep; think this one out.

I’ve also heard we’re stiff about our praise;
That we’re all about looking cute and acting hip.
I’d say that is not entirely the case
For one thing; there are different ways to express worship.
But there’s room for error- hence Question 2:
Exactly which audience do you play to?
You have your worship style; but for whose benefit?
Shouting’s no better than whispering if you’re faking it.

If you’re ashamed today,
He’ll deny you someday.
And if your jump-and-shout is just a show,
God sees through it, you know?

We’ve been described as snobs; class-conscious;
That anything less than posh is frowned upon.
This claim is more ironic than presumptuous:
Are our thrones any higher than the ones they judge us from?
But just so we’re sure we’re not guilty
Allow me to pose Question number 3:
Do you see everyone here as your equal?
Are you so class-blind after all?
Don’t just shrug yes;
Here’s a simple test:
Are there folks here you’d rather not hug?
Did your conscience just feel that tug?
Until we learn to look beyond what our eyes see,
We’ll never truly belong in Christ’s body.
A word to those who say they feel marginalized:
Why not take the first step and make a friend?
Smile at someone; it could be they’re shy.
If they’re stuck-up, it’s church- at least, they’ll pretend :-)

As far as Question 4 goes, here’s what I’d like to know:
Are you a member or do you round up the number?
If you’re part of this body, what’s your role?
To sing, dance, act, play an instrument, usher;
Or to keep the seats from catching a cold?
You don’t even need to walk the beaten path
You know what you do best; use what you have.
It may appear we’re set; but there’s lots of room.
Don’t amputate this church– we need you.

So there- four questions- I got it off my chest.
Motive. Goal. Demeanour. Participation.
4 out of the many issues to address;
Yet, Ridge can’t be alone in this situation.
So, we’re not perfect- does that justify your disdain?
Ephesians 5:25-27 makes it plain:
Christ dwells and works in us despite our flaws.
Is it more Christian to hate on us or clip off your claws?
Me? Not all 4 of my answers are good enough
So I fall back and let the Master teach me His love.
God being my Helper, I will stay true.
So Question number 5 is, how about you?

Copyright (c) 2010, Nana Yaa A. Gyamfi