Cor Chmieleski, senior associate pastor at Hope Community Church (Minneapolis, MN), recently asked “how far is too far?” when it comes to the distance people will travel to participate in a community of faith. Chmieleski lives six miles from the church he serves, but passes “more than 50 churches” on his commute. He questions whether, in the current era, distance should matter and if there is a point at which a congregation should encourage those who travel over a certain distance to consider joining another congregation closer to their home.
So What?
I wonder if the distance question matters any more. If people are used to traveling 10, 20 or more miles to connect with other groups, participate in events, or shop for a variety of products, then it seems only logical that they would be open to doing likewise to be a part of a vital community of faith. Furthermore, most regional congregations offer many ministries throughout the week that occur off campus. These off the church grounds ministries may be located in homes or other meeting places far closer to one’s home or may occur online removing any distance between those involved.
I simply cannot imagine a world in which the majority of congregations would return to a model of being a community church for those living very close to their campus (perhaps a mile or two in any direction). In reality, the majority of members and active participants in all of the churches I have served traveled much, much further.
Does distance matter any more? Why/why not?