New Reminders: Give Them Goose Bumps

Last week I noticed a rash on my arm.  While researching what might be causing my itchy problem, I was reminded of the fact that, with the advent of vaccines, many of the rash-causing diseases I had as a child, have all but vanished.  I didn’t find an answer to my rash, but I did get a chuckle, when I read that a kindergarten teacher asked one of her students if he’d ever had chicken pox.  The little boy replied “No, ma’am, but I’ve had goose bumps!” 

The term “goose bumps” is used to describe the tiny bumps on one’s skin that appear as the result of a sudden chill or after one hears or sees something especially awesome.  We sometimes say we get goose bumps when we feel a tingling on the skin from any surprisingly thrilling experience.  For most people, the sensation is a positive thing––a shiver or delight.  Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we got that kind of goose bumps, every time we attend church?

Churches today are bemoaning the fact that attendance is sparce and memberships are down. They can’t all attract musicians who produce goose bumps with every performance. The pastor can’t always rouse the faithful with sermons that keep the congregation enthralled.  In the past, churches in every community were the main source of social connection.  They were a source of support and comfort.  They offered a place to network with others and a place where one could find friendships with “good people” and for some, even a life partner.  They were safe places to bring one’s problems or even confess wrongdoings and others would rally around and provide hope and healing.  The messages were about an all-powerful and ever-present God. His grace was felt as an answer to all our fears and insecurities.  His sacrificial gift of His only Son to carry the burden of all our sins and to save us for all eternity, was a powerful pull for people of all walks of life.

Now, people are turning to other, more-convenient sources of solaces such as social media to find “friends” and even life partners.  They are looking to counselors to help solve their problems and to food, drugs or drinks to help mitigate their fears and insecurities or to fill their desire for distractions. To compete, churches may need to update their offerings and how we offer it.  We need to think of how to provide more goose bumps to our awe-inspiring message.