Not everyone likes being a part of a church that deeply cares about its community (They’d never say it that way. It’s kind of like saying, “I don’t care about people.” That sounds bad. So they’d never say it, but if the Gucci loafer fits…). There are plenty of church goers who’d rather their house of worship was more like a country club than a city park. There are big differences between a church that’s like a country club and a church that’s like a city park.

A country club-like church is exclusive—only a select few are welcome. It’s for “us.”
A city park-like church is open for all. It’s for “us,” “them” and “them” too. Everyone’s welcome.

A county club church keeps “those people” out.
A city park church is full of “those people” (whoever “those people” happen to be).

A country club church’s members like being with people just like themselves. Diversity is bad.
A city park church’s attenders love that everyone is not alike. Different is good.

A country club church’s members show up to be seen.
A city park church show up to celebrate life.

A country club church only values those who contribute.
A city park church values everyone.

A country club church proudly boasts of their once-in-a-blue-moon pittance for the needy.
A city park church regularly cries with those who have been beaten down by life.

A country club church is nice and neat.
A city park church is sometimes messy. The playground equipment isn’t the best or newest… and that’s ok.

A country club church would rather have kids seen than heard. The quieter the better.
A city park church loves it when kids are squealing and having fun. The louder the better.

A country club church is best summarized by the words, “Hey you kids! Get off my lawn.”
A city park church is best summarized by the words, “Have fun kids! You are loved!”

A country club church exudes snootiness (snotty-ness?).
A city park church exudes Jesus (just Jesus!).

But most of all…

A country club-like church teaches you’re better than your neighbor.
A city park-like church teaches one to love their neighbor.

Would Jesus be at the city park or the country club? We all know the answer to that question.