from How To Reach Secular People by George G. Hunter, III (via stewie):

setting the ghastliness of the term “churchbroke” aside (it gets straight to hunter’s point, but ugh!), i think we’re better off “unbroken.” the social norms, the unwritten rules that define behaviour in church settings are extremely limiting, not just to creativity, but to genuine communion with God and community with the saints. the “churchbroken” do not need to think; they may simply follow the order by rote… so long as the ministers allow them. “being “churchbroken” is great for maintaining control and order; not so much for transformation. following the rules becomes a substitute for wrestling with God and engaging in fellowship.

i realize there are those whose communion with God is enhanced by the repetition from one day to the next, one service to the next. i know i value and need routine (though not in the rutuals we currently use at harvest.) we all do to one degree or another. the problem is that each of us needs/desires a different routine. furthermore, it takes great vigilance to prevent the routine from superceding communion.