Many years ago, when Old South was set to embark on a process to discern whether or not to pursue “open and affirming” status (public welcome of those in the LBGTQ+ community), I gave a sermon or two in support of the process that acknowledged that the congregation would likely experience some discomfort and challenge along the way, as the topics involved were not the usual fodder of church-like discussions. Given that Old South was located in what was (and continues to be) well-known as an open and welcoming town especially in regard to the LBGTQ+ community, I thought it was important that the church be clear about its status on full inclusion (or not).

At some point, one of the long-time members of the church came to visit me during office hours. He was unhappy with the whole Open and Affirming thing, the process, the subject matter, and the likely disagreements that church members would have, disagreements that seemed not worth the trouble, as far as this man was concerned. People, he told me, just want to feel good when they come to church, especially worship. They want to know that they are doing well and that God loves them. They don’t to feel uncomfortable or challenged. They don’t want to be put in a situation that makes them squirm.

Despite this objection (and a few others), the church community went on to have a productive year and a half process that resulted in a unanimous adoption of an Open and Affirming statement. A few church members decided to leave the church and a few others mostly kept the process at as much of a distance as they could, but those who participated found that it was a good experience, deepening their sense of their own faith and the kind of church they wanted Old South to be. The moments of tension were, for the most part, opportunities to put their faith into practice: listening and learning; expressing their own thoughts and feelings; and, working out how the Holy Spirit was present among each person and all of them together.

Over the years, I have encountered similar sentiments in a variety of circumstances to the man who came to tell me that church people just want church to feel good. Church ought to be solely about encouragement, nurture and comfort, as if weekly worship should be like wrapping ourselves in a warm security blanket. In a recent conversation, I was told, once again, that I should be all about reassurance and that I should refrain from messages that imply demands or correction, as if my role as pastor ought to be akin to a faith cheerleader. Where did I put those pom poms?

While I wouldn’t disagree that at least part of the church/faith experience should be focused on encouragement, leadership in a Christian faith community that is only about providing a constant pat on the back is not actually faithful. The life of faith requires a departure from the comfortable and safe, in ways that are decidedly squirmy and difficult. Lessons from Jesus, as told to us through the Gospel writers, tell us that Jesus often provoked, often pushed buttons, often irritated and knocked people off kilter.

There’s the wealthy young man who asked Jesus what he needed to do gain eternal life. When Jesus told him to keep the commandments and then sell all of his possessions and give to the poor, the young man walked away. In the Gospel of Luke (14:26), Jesus declares, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes and even life itself, cannot be my disciple.” And, how about all of that business about turning the other cheek and loving our enemies?

To be a Christian is to know God’s love and to be graced with the blessing of faith. But, to live truly as a Christian is to find oneself almost constantly confronted by the demanding lessons of Jesus. It’s likely the reason why Jesus was big on groups— gathering a group of friends to help him with his earthly ministry, sending out disciples two by two to spread the good news, etc. The life of the Christian faith is one best not taken on alone.

For the faithful to be able to live the faith, a lot more than encouragement is needed. While it may not be the most welcome aspect of community life, identification of growing edges and places that need prayerful attention are critical to the overall well-being of a community that claims to worship and endeavors to follow Jesus Christ. If all we are doing is the cheerleading part, it’s not worth doing at all.