Growing up I loved the TV sitcom “Cheers.” It was definitely one of my favourites. The show was set in a bar in Boston, Massachusetts, where a group of locals met to drink, relax, chat and have fun. This TV program showed us how all of us are longing to be accepted by others. This TV program showed us that no one wants to go through life alone.
One of my favourite aspects of the show was the theme song. It was catchy and I realize now that this theme song could be the theme song for the local church. Listen closely to the words of the song:
Isn’t the church the place where we should be known and welcomed by one another?
Isn’t the church the place where we know that our troubles are all the same?
Isn’t the church supposed to be the place where people can find a real solution to life’s difficulties and problems?
The sad fact is many people have been rejected by the “church”.
The sad fact is many people have had their problems scoffed at or minimized by the “church.”
It doesn’t have to be this way though!
As the church, the family of God, we are called to be a caring community.
We are called to be a community that loves people unconditionally.
We are called to be a community that helps people move forward in their journey.
We are called to be a community that will listen – really listen – to people’s hurts.
We are called to be a community that will point people to the greatest source of hope and life – Jesus Christ.
This is a community that I want to be a part of!
This is a community that I want to help foster!
What could be some other similarities between “Cheers” and the local church?
I liked that show too. I liked how everyone would call out “Norm” when he walked in. Everyone knew his name, they knew where he sat (while I don’t think Christians should get too comfy in one pew, it is nice that people know where to find you in church).
Never really thought about this show from a Christian perspective, but now that you mention it- Church should be like Cheers!
Great post.
tcavey recently posted…The Cost of Discipleship Chapter 3
Thanks for sharing TC!
Kevin Martineau recently posted…A Yukon Wilderness Adventure
The longing to be accepted and cared for as we are is powerful. God has done that in Christ. But we are His body. I love the words from Casting Crowns in their song, If we are His body. (http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/If-We-Are-The-Body-lyrics-Casting-Crowns/617D1B30E33F493848256E9C000DB757).
I recently read a post from Francis Chan, in which he threw a party for ‘misfits’. He brought in catering and professional photographers, and had a blast! http://francisupdates.tumblr.com/post/13798218594/the-banquet-we-threw-was-wonderful-i-loved-it. We can learn a lot from him
Steve Borgman recently posted…How To Build Your Personal Leadership
We definitely all have a longing to be accepted.
Thanks for sharing Steve!
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I also liked the show and never thought it could be compared to a church, but come to think of it, if you see “Cheers” as the place where you can meet with friends to discuss what has been happening in your life or where you can be surrounded by those who care for you then Cheers can be likened to the church. Cheers was often said to be a place where you can never be alone and I believe that is the purpose of the church.
Thanks for sharing Jeffrey!
Kevin Martineau recently posted…How to learn contentment
Oh my god, I can remember on the music, my parents used to watch it. It has made me into a nostalgic mood, thanks for making me remembering!
Thanks for sharing Susanne!
Kevin Martineau recently posted…4 practical ways to demonstrate the attitude of service
Very true… Just from reading the title of the post, I thought that the theme song of Cheers brings about a feeling of belonging which is often lacking in the church nowadays.
When I moved to Australia in 2008, it took almost 3 years to find a church that I was happy with. That church wasn’t perfect (none are), but I choose it because I felt at home there. It’s not just about greeting someone at the door (which is a good start), but showing an interest and giving them a surprise call to hear how it’s going or inviting them over for a coffee or to a meeting or just asking how they are.
I’ve moved countries again and am now living in New Zealand after getting married last year. The church that my wife attends is very small and I don’t really feel like I fit in there, so we are again looking for a new church. One of the things my wife seems to look at is whether it’s all church leaders who speak to a new person or whether it’s general members of the congregation. Just something to keep in mind, that reaching out to others should not be limited to church leadership, but everyone should aim to build that sense of community.
My wife’s got a short post about it here – Belonging And The Church
Great thoughts!
Thanks for sharing.
Kevin Martineau recently posted…Do you have proximity with God or intimacy with God?