I can’t help but enjoy this song with it’s driving beat and catchy lyrics. Plus it helps that it’s on iTunes radio all the time! After having heard it multiple times, I went online to check out the music video. I found that this video is a beautiful picture of what the Church should be like.
Here’s 3 things we can learn from Avicii and his song Wake Me Up:
1. Come:
Judgement is a relationship killer. That is one of the fastest ways to make other people feel uncomfortable. So, if your goal is to push people away, and keep people from coming to your church, work hard at judging them. People are longing for a place to fit in and be welcomed. That is where the Church comes in. The Church should be the place where everyone no matter who they are, or what they’ve done should be accepted and loved. I love how in the video the woman rides her horse up onto the bridge and looks out over the modern city with a twinkle in her eye as if to say, “Ah… I think I have found home.” That’s what it should be like for people who walk into our churches for the first time on a Sunday morning. Make it so that they are not afraid to come in to your church. Do whatever it takes to break down that barrier.
2. Connect:
People don’t stay in a place because they have cool lighting and an awesome sound system. People find themselves getting rooted in an environment because of their connection with other people. I love the scene where they pile into the back of the truck as they head off. There is something about the smiles and laughter of the few people together. They have a relationship there that is looking to meet the needs of this confused and searching traveler. They bring her right in, invite her to do whatever it is that they were already doing, and head off into the sunset together. How are you at connecting people with your small group of friends? That’s the power of relationships- connection.
3. Contribute:
Being a part of something, feels way better than watching something. (Unless it’s an MMA fight) When you get involved in an organization, church, or any other club your level of buy in goes way up! People feel a sense of ownership when they move from sitting on the sidelines to being an active participant. In this video, you see a whole sea of people who are actively engaged in what is happening on stage. There are not rows of velvet chairs neatly lined up as if you are in a movie theater observing something. No, these people are participating in the show, they are as much a part of the experience as the lights and sound waves booming from the stage. How are you at helping people get plugged in to be apart of your churches service projects, or serving teams? It’s vital!
Why do all this? Why go to the trouble of helping people through this three step process? Because you’ll find that there are people who will echo exactly what the woman said at the end of the video:
Get up! Pack your things…
Where are we going?
Somewhere we belong…
I love hearing people say, AH… I’ve finally found my church home. Every person has a story, and every story matters to God! Let’s work hard to help people find home.
~Peter
Okay, let’s do a little community development. Who are you guys listening to and being impacted by out there in the blogging world, twittersphere or in podcast-land? Let’s do each other a favor and leave a comment about your favorite blog to be reading, person to follow, helpful/fun podcast you’re listening to, or book you are reading.
