An Irreligious Faith

As a pastor whose job it is to encourage people to come to church and experience community, fellowship and corporate worship, it was always a bit disappointing to me that my own dad rarely attended church for quite a number of years.  Early in my life, he was the one who always made sure we  (the “kids”) were in church. But once he no longer needed to get us to and from church—or, when he felt we were old enough to decide for ourselves—he pretty much stopped going to church himself. 

Because of his lack of church attendance, most people in the church questioned his faith.  I know I did too. Yet, even when he was there he didn’t quite fit in with most of them. After all, he liked to drink a beer on a hot day or a glass of wine with dinner. He didn’t mind his kids going to the movies.  He loved playing his sax in the Big Band—music that was considered by some to be “worldly music.” And, he was a pretty good dancer (I always enjoyed seeing him dance with my mom).  Oh...he didn’t like taking Sunday afternoon naps—he’d rather be out playing tennis or doing something active after church (which some used to consider breaking the Sabbath!).

At times he was a bit sarcastic about church. He had seen his share of charlatan preachers.  He had experienced conflict between church members—and how nasty they could be towards each other (even towards him). And, he had seen too many pastors hurt by the flock they tried to feed.  After a while I think he just had enough—enough of church.

Yet, he never gave up his faith in God.  I can clearly recall coming down the stairs early in the morning and seeing dad sitting at his desk reading his Bible.  He continued to love the hymns (although he disliked newer Christian music).  For many years, he continued to give generously to support the aging pastor under which he had grown up.  And, he continued to listen to preaching on the radio and television, even telling me at times the sermons he had heard.

Beyond all of that, he was a faithful husband and dad. He was not perfect, but he brought stability and strength into our home. He worked hard and provided well for a family of seven (plus whatever pets mom brought home at the time).  He spent time with his kids, especially his boys, teaching us to swim, ride a bike, and swing a bat. And, he was always ready to dispense his advice—asked for or not.    

When, at 85 years old, Dad was given the news of the brain tumor that would eventually take his life, he refused any treatment with these words, “I’m ready to see Jesus.”  And, during the next couple of months of decline, you could see in his eyes that, although he was sad and worried about our mom, he was not afraid.  He knew he was going to “see Jesus.”  His heart was yet filled with faith. 

Dad passed away on May 7, 2014. His funeral was held on what would have been his 86^th birthday (May 10^th). As I reflect on his faith journey, a few lessons come to my mind. The first is, we in the church—pastors and congregants alike—need to be careful as to how we live, minister, and interact. After all, how we behave may result in people either staying in fellowship with the church or deciding that they have had “enough of church” and thus leaving. 

Secondly, I’ve come to realize that, not everyone who has left the church has given up their faith in Christ.  Some, like my dad, may end up with what I would call, an irreligious faith—yet, it is faith indeed.  Rather than ostracize them, judge them, and push them further away, we in the church should be building bridges to them, gently leading them back into fellowship, and, at the very least, treating them as brothers and sisters in Christ. 

Finally, I’m reminded of the true message of the gospel: Our salvation and fellowship with the Church of Jesus Christ is not first of all based on church attendance, involvement in church ministry, or the positions we hold.  Thankfully, our salvation is based solely on what Jesus Christ has done for us, and our faith in him—even if sometimes that faith might appear to be a bit irreligious. 

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God….” (Ephesians 2:8 – NIV) 

Thanks for "listening" as I reflect on my dad this week.  Have a great day! 

Pastor Tim Harris