I came across this article today and wanted to share
it.
In his book “Life Together”, Bonhoeffer says, “Every human
wish dream that is injected into the Christian community is a hindrance to
genuine community and must be banished if genuine community is to survive. He
who loves his dream of a community more than the Christian community itself
becomes a destroyer of the latter, even though his personal intentions may be
ever so honest and earnest and sacrificial.”
His point is that unrealistic expectations destroy genuine community. When we expect a pastor to be at our beck and call, it is a wish dream.
When we expect for “church people” to be perfect, it is a wish dream.
When we expect to agree with everyone it is a wish dream.
The wish dream destroys true community because we complain about what we don’t like instead of plugging into what is right.
I fear many have unhealthy expectations about the church. It’s not perfect. There are issues in every church. There are annoying people. There are people who think differently. There are people in every church that you will not agree with. Instead of having true community many have left it because it’s easier to worship God at home.
The problem is that God did not wire us to be alone. We are truly better together. It’s in community that we grow, are challenged, stretched, and inspired to truly live for Jesus. It’s messy, difficult, and at times frustrating…but it’s so worth it.
God works within community. Sure you can believe in God and not go to church. You can also play sports by yourself, talk to yourself, and high five yourself. Just because it’s possible doesn’t mean it’s better.
Life is meant to live with others in community. If you have given up on church, but not on God take a moment to revisit your “wish dream.” We all have one or have had one. Then ask God He wants you to do next. My guess is He’ll point you back to the church.
By Rev. Chris Sonksen pastor South Hills Church
His point is that unrealistic expectations destroy genuine community. When we expect a pastor to be at our beck and call, it is a wish dream.
When we expect for “church people” to be perfect, it is a wish dream.
When we expect to agree with everyone it is a wish dream.
The wish dream destroys true community because we complain about what we don’t like instead of plugging into what is right.
I fear many have unhealthy expectations about the church. It’s not perfect. There are issues in every church. There are annoying people. There are people who think differently. There are people in every church that you will not agree with. Instead of having true community many have left it because it’s easier to worship God at home.
The problem is that God did not wire us to be alone. We are truly better together. It’s in community that we grow, are challenged, stretched, and inspired to truly live for Jesus. It’s messy, difficult, and at times frustrating…but it’s so worth it.
God works within community. Sure you can believe in God and not go to church. You can also play sports by yourself, talk to yourself, and high five yourself. Just because it’s possible doesn’t mean it’s better.
Life is meant to live with others in community. If you have given up on church, but not on God take a moment to revisit your “wish dream.” We all have one or have had one. Then ask God He wants you to do next. My guess is He’ll point you back to the church.
By Rev. Chris Sonksen pastor South Hills Church
Hello Bro. Rick. I am a Pastor from Mumbai, India. I am glad to stop by your profile on the blogger and the blog post. I am also blessed and feel privileged and honoured to get connected with you as well as know you as a servant of the Lord and about your family too. Going through your blog post was interesting and a reality of many Christians having "The Wish Dream" I do agree with Dietrich Bonhoeffer what he says about Wish Dream. I love getting connected with the people of God around the globe to be encouraged, strengthened and praying for one another. I have been in the Pastoral ministry for last 39 yrs in this great city of Mumbai a city with a great contrast where richest of rich and the poorest of poor live. WE also encourage young and the adults from the west to come to MUMBAI to work with us during their vacation time. We would love to have young people from your church to come to Mumbai to work with us during their vacation time.I am sure they will have a life changing experience. Looking forward to hear from you very soon. God's richest blessings on you, your family and friends. My email id is: dhwankhede(at)gmail(dot)com and my name is Diwakar Wankhede.
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