I recently spent some time with a friend who has not gone to church in a while. We used to serve together as elders. Now I am involved in planting a new community of faith and he is not participating in any church. He is not against church but he has some problems with the way it is typically structured. He is looking for a sense of community and all he gets is a chance to listen to other people talk. He is ok with the fact that there are 'professionals' on the stage but he doesn't like the absence of 'acceptable' ways for him to participate, unless you count paying the cover charge (a.k.a. 'the offering'). In most churches the regular attendee is forced to be a passive spectator of the show. My friend would rather be a participant so he is proposing that he become 'Church Fan.'

If you have seen the Coke commercial for 'footballtown' where the fans talk about how their participation is important to the game you can begin to understand where Church Fan comes from. Fans understand that their involvement, whether at the stadium, the bar or their own living room is important. Fans are connected to the team regardless of the professionals who actually take the field. There is a sense of ownership and belonging to the team that creates a culture. My friend wants to go to church as a fan. He wants his voice to be heard and to make a difference. He believes that most churches will not accept this so he suggests Church Fan become the next reality television show.

Here is how it works:

A group of Fans head off to church. (I picture some college students with Ichthus and Chi-Rho's painted on their chests) As Church Fan you would get to church early to start tailgating. You would share your good food and various libations with people who are going in to the 'game' and try to get them really excited about being there. As you make your way to your seat, let people know how thrilled you are to be there. When the service begins you are the fan. If something is done or said that you like let it be known. Cheering is acceptable. If there is something that goes on that you don't like shout it out. BOOOOO!!!! You are Church Fan. Your church needs you. Hi-fives and belly bumps with your neighbor should be expected.

You have a pre-game show where experts explain the whole goal of the worship service. These experts would outline the 'keys to the game' (evangelistic strategy of the church) by interviewing the pastor and worship leaders. They could profile the community the church is part of and get opinions from neighbors. We could get analysis of the churches stats and record. Are they making disciples? Are they reaching people with the good news? Do they have what it takes to pull off a victory this Sunday? Color commentators could give insights into the music, and message. They could evaluate the performance of the professionals on stage and highlight important events taking place for all the faithful church fans participating from home. Post-game interviews with exited fans would determine how well the game plan (vision, values and mission of the church) was accomplished.

My friend's guess is that he would get escorted out or treated like the Cubs fan of game 6 who made the 'immaculate deflection'. He does not think church leaders are ready for church fans. But his idea brings up some interesting points about how we structure and organize our worship gatherings. As ecclesial dreamers we get pretty good at designing game plans when we are in control of every aspect. It is our building, our chosen time and our select group of people. We are so good at creating atmosphere, flow and desired resolution for our events that we do not need any outside intervention. We do not want Church Fan or the Holy Spirit interfering with our schedule because we have it all under control. The songs and video clips tie in very nicely to the sermon and our PowerPoint slides. All we need is people to come and enjoy the show.

I think watching various churches deal with Church Fan would be entertaining as a reality TV show, but I don't know if I want him at my worship events. The idea of Church Fan does two things very well. First, it exposes my subtle but well intentioned attempts to control the playing field. Second, it shows me how uncomfortable it is when I am not on my turf. When Church is done the way I plan it things seems to really work well (meaning, exactly the way I want it). Perhaps that's why we encourage people to come to church more often than we take church to them. The spheres of family, vocation or school are too unpredictable. Our three point outlines don't work at the office. We don't have to deal with the homeless in our church sanctuaries and teenagers don't talk back during the gospel monologue when it is delivered by the guy with the microphone. We have sanitized our worship events and made them predictable, wholesome family entertainment. Our system is perfectly designed to give us the results we are currently getting?passive, passionless spectators.

Imagine how the 'game' would change if we allowed the spectators to became more involved. Imagine if the actions of the people in the pews could actually influence the way the game ends, for better or for worse. Imagine how the people on stage would prepare if they knew they were going to get instant interaction and feedback from those in the audience. Imagine if we had to prepare for away games, where we were not in control. Imagine if churches valued the voice and the input of the 'twelfth man'. Imagine if 'churchtown' needed its audience as much as 'footballtown.'