In Search of a Church Where I Can Breathe

By: Glenn Fuller

(Illustration by Glenn)

Misfit - characterized by feelings of “not fitting in” resulting in isolation/disconnection.

Marked by noisy inner dialogs and self centered focus.

In danger of becoming the poster child of current social trends of alienation and separation. Struggled to find a church in Eau Claire where I could breathe.

No longer able to obediently sit in the pew for empty religious rituals of any denomination. Not interested in doctrinal disputes of angels dancing on the head of a pin. Without faith in ancient authors arguing their biases of centuries past.  

Completely uninterested in the efforts of Sheshbazzar, Nebuchadnezzar, Zerubbabel (the son of Shealtiel) and Shethar-bozenai to rebuild the temple of God in Jerusalem. (Ezra)

Saw Beer Church promotions at a brewery that I would be at anyway. So why not?

One could attend without pressure to “join”. Remaining anonymously glued to the back wall was O.K. In fact, a number of visits found me leaving before the actual events unfolded.

Interesting, knowledgeable speakers. Questions were welcomed. No claims of inerrant omniscience. Just moments of connection with other human beings. Radical acceptance rather than an “Us and Them” dynamic. Opportunities to express gratitude. Humility.

Beer Church expanded into Book Church (Books, Bread and Brews) where I was encouraged to read books I would normally not touch. They weren’t so bad! Learned something. And then Trail and Yoga Churches…

More opportunities to connect and wander. Not just sit and obey.

I’ll never be a round peg, but that’s O.K. Found my Church where I can connect.