Twenty Questions (or thereabouts)

Who decided that…

… gatherings of believers are best done in an auditorium?

… unsalted crackers and grape juice are an appropriate substitute for sharing a meal?

…believers are best organized in groups of hundreds or even thousands, called “churches”?

…a message is a critical component of each gathering of believers?

… the best way for believers to understand God’s word is for only one person to speak to a group of hundreds or even thousands, once a week, for year after year?

…nobody else has anything worthwhile to say in a gathering, at least not for an extended period of time?

…nobody should ask questions or comment during a message or sermon?

…the theologically educated “know” more about God and Christian spirituality than those who actually in the "world" in secular jobs?

…worship as music is more important than worship through art, drama, poetry, or literature?

…gatherings of Christians should last an hour to an hour and a half, no more, no less?

…attending a weekly gathering in an auditorium is the primary thing that determines whether you are a legitimate Christian?

…the way the worship gathering is organized and executed is the central purpose of a church, worthy of more attention (and, often, money) than any other activity?

…to be a church, you have to have a building?

…before or after you attend a gathering in an auditorium, it is important that you be part of a “class”, which provides an educational process to learn more about the bible?

…small groups are optional, if you have time, can get around to it, and are successful in becoming accepted into a group?

…the best way to accomplish God’s mission is to start a program, form a committee, select a chairperson, get permission for what you’re doing from a church leader (or leaders), and then talk the whole issue to death before doing anything?

…the best way for a group of believers to be effective is to identify a goal and have an “event” that tries to meet that goal (worship, revival, bible study, Promise Keepers, etc.)?

…the primary purpose of paid staff is to minister to the believers who pay their salaries (and their family members), rather than to those in the community who are in need?

…its appropriate for a church budget to devote most resources to internal church issues (such as worship, staff, youth and children programs, buildings, parking lots, etc.) rather than on ministering to those in need?

…to be a part of a gathering of believers, everyone has to intellectually assent to the same set of ideas about various theologically-related topics?

Just wondering.

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