The Voice of the Empty Pew
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
— Hebrews 10:24-25
Church pews have gone through a lot of transition over the years. From hard, solid pine pews lining old chapels to soft, theater-like seating with cup holders in large church buildings, the pew has seen many updates and transitions. But what if they could talk?
The empty pew. For some, it is a source of condemnation, a reminder that “those people ought to be here,” a cause for hushed judgment and unspoken criticism. For others, a reminder of changing seasons in church life, a sense of longing for what used to be when the seats were full and desire to see them full again.
Things happen. Our best laid plans get changed. You work late or get called in. Kids get sick, families have hiccups, cars won’t start. Unfortunately, some of these things wait to converge on Sunday or Wednesday, usually right around the time you were about to leave. Other times, we make the conscience choice, for whatever reason, “not today.” And the pew goes unused.
If I’ve learned anything, it’s that missing church once very easily becomes a pattern. It doesn’t have to be, but for some reason when you put it off that one time, all the missed services that follow become so easy.
The empty pew can say so many things. I think one unheard message that those of us who are there don’t always hear is “The ones who used to sit here have hurt and trauma that they can’t get past.” Empty pews can mean high walls. These are barricades the absent believer has built against baring their soul or becoming vulnerable because so many people have taken advantage or misused them. Church is family, and that is an intimate relationship. To some, that fact is not a comfort but a fear. They refuse to be hurt again. And church hurt is especially devastating.
I have a motto for my outlook on church life— “No child of God left behind.” I want to be the first on the battlefield and the last coming off. I believe church is a progressive work where we broken sinners help other broken sinners get to Jesus, through all sorts of issues. But years of bad church experience is a hard enemy to be overcome. The best intentions of church leaders has often been too little, too late. Thus, we are seeing a generation of so-called “ex-vangelicals,” deconstructed deserters who refuse to accept church as it has been offered to them, equating Jesus with the false Christians they have met.
I wish to turn the tables on the false conceptions bad church people have given. I want to bridge the gap for the hurt to feel free to share their burdens and be unafraid of gossip or criticism. I must trust the Holy Spirit to create such an environment.
My name is Jay. I pastor the best church in the world. I’m accessible. Our people are awesome and they are accessible too. We want to pray for you and hear your needs. Please reach out. Blessings.