In the world, but not of the world. Isn’t that one of the core beliefs of Christians? The mission of the Church is to make disciples and to do that we need to pursue the lost, building relationships with them and showing them the love of Christ. How can we carry out this core mission if we remove ourselves from the world around us and only interact with other Christians in safe places that lack risk of any kind? A few weeks ago we discussed the Christian bubble on the Journeymen Podcast (Episode 22), and since then I have become more aware of the Christian bubble and how I think it is affecting our ability to carry out the mission of the Church.

Pittsburgh recently got a nationally known Christian radio station. I’ve already shared my thoughts on Christian music, but I still put that station on when I’m in the car with my kids because I love hearing them sing along with the songs they play. This particular radio station has been hosting a “Friends and Family” cruise over the past few years, and I’ve grown tired of hearing the commercials advertising next year’s cruise. It’s not that the commercial is annoying or that I’m frustrated because I wouldn’t really be able to afford it. I just feel that the cruise represents the Christian bubble to the extreme.

Vacations are good. Spiritual retreats are good. I don’t have a problem with spending money on either of them. I just don’t think that you need to remove yourself from the world to go on vacation or go on a cruise ship for a spiritual retreat. Going on vacation in my opinion is a chance to get away from work for a little while and spend time with your family. Vacation is not taking a break from the Great Commission. Spiritual retreats are a time to grow in God’s Word and refocus on Him. I think something like a cruise would be more distracting than helpful in the pursuit of growing spiritually. The radio station has been advertising the cruise as more than a vacation and a chance for spiritual renewal.

If you want to go on a cruise for vacation, that’s fine. Why don’t you go on a public cruise and have the possibility of being a part of someones journey towards redemption in Christ instead of going on a cruise where everyone is a Christian and the prices are probably higher to pay for all the Christian bands that will be on the cruise too. If you want to spend that kind of money on growing spiritually, why don’t you consider going on a short term mission trip where you can be a factor in making a difference for others, or tour the Holy Land where you can gain a better understanding of what you read in the Bible.