In many ways, the church isn’t much different
than lunch time at any middle school. (1)
Happy chaos best describes my middle school cafeteria.
The space was expansive, yet packed with hundreds of loud untamed boys and an equal number of laughing girls dressed like 18 year olds.
It was a madhouse, but it was a happy house. We ate and were nourished. Freed from the teacher’s iron fisted rule we released anxiety, energy, and hormones.
We spilled milk, threw food, and left crumbs all over the place.
Surely the 90 minutes lunch period struck terror in the hearts of the staff.
Worship as a middle school cafeteria lunch period is a provocative image.
The sanctuary is filled with depraved sin-ridden wild beasts. Whether from an organ, piano, or big band the noise level is high. Spirited conversation fills the room whenever the Pastor lets the natives be themselves.
The Pastor preaches, providing spiritual food and nourishment. This spiritual food is spilled, tossed to and fro, and frequently crumbles on impact. Yet, some food always manages to hit the spot feeding the hungry soul.
I do not remember a single meal I ate at lunch in the 7th grade.
Yet at the end of the lunch period, my friends and I had come together, bonding as friends and buddies, our bodies were nourished, and the room was filled with spirited energy and joy. It was a joyous and fulfilling place.
Can we say the same about church?
Hmmm … perhaps more churches should seek to be like a middle school cafeteria during worship rather than being an art museum. Doing so would honor Jesus’ command recorded in John 4:23
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Jim L. Wilson, Fresh Start Devotionals (Fresno, CA: Willow City Press, 2009).
Bread Crumbs - Devotions for Life 
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