Do Churches Have Personalities?

The church where I have been a member for almost 30 years was originally organized as a mission church, and that is what it is today.  We are small in membership and also generally older in age.  Some people prefer to be  in a larger church.  A lady told me once that she liked a big church because she liked to "get lost" in it.  I suppose that means that you go on Sunday morning and then return next Sunday, revived but unencumbered by any close associations.  For very busy people that may work for a time, but then the time comes when you no longer want to get lost, you want to be an integral part of the group.

Some years ago there was a popular television sitcom called "Cheers".  Ted Danson, the bar owner and bar maid  Diane, were the central characters who were surrounded by the regular customers.  They were like a family and entertained us for years.  They learned to know each other quite well, perhaps because the alcohol loosened their tongues and they became less inhibited.  Whereas, in our churches we do not go for a drink and conversation, we do receive a balm of affirmation with like minded people.

I was thinking about some of the activities that are an integral part of our church.  Because of the hot weather and some temporary health conditions, I have not been there  in about three weeks.  I miss the connection and this directed my thinking into comparing the aura of our group to the aura of the one time
television sitcom, Cheers.  The lead in song says, "Cheers, where everybody knows your name".  The same could be said of our church.  Maybe we should change the name of our church to Cheers Trinity Presbyterian Church, because after two visits, everybody knows your name. 

In order for folks there to really know you, you need to have some other connections.  There are lots of opportunities.  To name a few:  adult Bible class, Bible instruction for children during the church hour, coffee time in fellowship hall before service, a well trained Biblical scholar to lead the service, opportunity to serve as lay leader each Sunday, participate in the adult choir, the bell ringer group, monthly ladies circle, monthly men of the church meeting (usually with a meal), monthly fellowship covered dish dinner.  There are multiple service opportunities also.  Each month, on the first Wednesday a few members take a meal to the Good News at Noon, Kitchen in our town.  Other churches take food on a different day, so every day of the month is supplied.  In the hallway of our building, there are shelves which our members keep full of canned goods, dog food, and other household items.  Anyone in the community who is struggling to maintain their home can come and take what they need.  Last, but  not least, the ladies of the church are invited to be a part of a prayer chain.  When someone has an emergency, and requests prayer, the calls go out and are passed along to the next person.  Prayer is basic to our faith, and expresses concern for each other.

Psychologist stress that children need the association of groups to help them build a lifetime of wholeness.  Starting with the child's family, he  hopefully branches out with school groups, then sports groups, and various groups structured to train good habits.  Circles of friends is a lifelong need, and they should be nurtured and treasured for as long possible.

To answer my question, do churches have personalities, yes I think they do.  For the church is the people who gather and worship in oneness of purpose. It is that oneness of purpose which defines our basic personality, it is who we are and how we live.