View from the Pew.

"THE PLACE WHERE PEOPLE MEET TO SEEK THE HIGHEST IS HOLY GROUND"

Hard to understand, isn't it? I was befuddled by this phrase at first glance, sitting in the third row and seeing it written across the back wall behind the stage. What does this mean?

This is my third time now at Redeemer. I think the reason they say third time's the charm is because it usually takes two times to test the waters. The first time you're too cautious, the second time too comfortable. By the third time you've learned to find the middle ground. Two weeks ago I was 15 minutes early, last week I was 15 minutes late. By now I've not only figured out which trains to take on the subway, but also what the dress code is like, the necessary supplies to take, and I've even determined the acoustically primo spot for immaculate reception -- okay, maybe not, but sitting closer means a better view of Tim Keller's adorable hand gestures.

Redeemer seems to be good at filtering a person's idea of church. I found myself initially puzzled by the strong commitment to tradition. I mean...man...the hymns they sang even sounded dusty. Perhaps it's just apropos to keep in theme with the creaking rafters. Or maybe it's because sometimes there's a lot of sense in the old-fashioned stuff. The only thing more annoying than old people who follow tradition for the sake of following tradition, are young people who break tradition for the sake of breaking tradition. Either way you never understand what the practice is about.

Thankfully Redeemer takes time to put the mind back in the motion. With the sit down, get up, say this, and do that, they provoke, encourage, and challenge you to reflect your purpose for being here. That's something I think every congregation can afford to do more of. My eyes draw to that wall once again. See, it's not holy unless the people are there to seek the highest. That is, the Highest.

The service has been meaty so far, and Tim Keller does nothing short of follow through with his message. He's a gifted preacher; he speaks from the Bible in a way that's comprehensible and relevant, and flows with clear direction. He's articulate, sharp, clever, current, inviting, easy to listen to, and has such a kind face -- but it's about so much more than that. You see, I searched for this church immediately upon arriving in New York. Back home I had already been familiar with Keller's books and podcasts, and couldn't wait to see him speak in person. He's entertaining alright, but the man does one thing more remarkably than anything else, and that's make the message about the Bible, and about Christ. And if you think that's a no-brainer, try saying that about Joel Osteen.

The place where people meet to seek the highest is holy ground.

I think I finally figured out what this means. It's the definition of the church. You see, too often people walk into wedding ceremonies and funeral services and find the stained glass windows to be either intimidating or inspiring, but both because they think that's where the holiness lies. They see cobblestone and candles and figure somewhere in it lies religious spirituality. So when people walk into Redeemer, of all possible decorations to place at the point of their focus, they decide to put an explanation: a church isn't a building; a church is a people. It isn't gold mountings, it isn't elaborate paintings of little cherubs holding stars and flying ribbon -- that's not where to find holiness. You find holiness where you find people meeting to worship God.

"For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

- Matthew 18:20