Spiritual feeding

There was a blog post awhile back that I read by clicking through one of my priest friend's Facebook posting.  I don't remember the details anymore, but I still have a very visceral response when I think of it.  The author of the post (I think she was a minister) was angry about people leaving a church because they weren't being "spiritually fed".  The author then made several cracks/points about the church not being around to "spoon feed" people and that people shouldn't be so fickle.

I agree with her that "spoon feeding" anyone is condescending.  But I disagree with the author about church not being to feed people.  That is the WHOLE point of church!  To feed people spiritually and physically.  That's what the Eucharist (communion, Mass, etc.) is ALL ABOUT!  The entire Bible is filled with humans feeding other humans; humans feeding angels; God feeding humans; Jesus feeding sinners and saints alike.

Church shouldn't be about draining people's energy and talents.  It should be about re-energizing and preparing people for their ministry in the world.

Church shouldn't be about getting your card stamped.  It should be about making real connections with other humans and God.

Church shouldn't be another civic institution with requirements for membership.  It should be a place of holy ground.  A thin place.  A place where everyone is welcome, and everyone is given the chance to encounter the divine.