Week 24: Something to Hope for?

Who: Rachel

Church: Rise Church Chattanooga

Lunch: Starbucks

Topic: The difference between unity and uniformity.

One of the things I love most about Chattanooga is how deeply interconnected this community is. It often feels like there’s just one degree of separation between everyone—whether through mutual friends, shared projects, or local organizations. This tight-knit nature creates a sense of collaboration and belonging that makes it easier to build relationships, rally support for important causes, and foster meaningful change.

Of course, this interconnectedness has its pros and cons. On the positive side, it allows for stronger partnerships, faster word-of-mouth advocacy, and a greater sense of shared responsibility for the well-being of the city. But it also means that everyone seemingly knows everyone, and maintaining authenticity, humility, and grace in our relationships is crucial. In a community where faith is lived out alongside one another, trust is built—or damaged—by how we reflect Christ in our words and actions.

I met Rachel last month at a networking event at Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy, and from the moment we started talking, it was clear—she’s one of those rare people who truly embraces life in a way that’s contagious. There’s an undeniable energy and warmth about her, the kind that makes you feel like anything is possible. Whether through her work, her conversations, or the way she carries herself, she exudes a sense of purpose and joy. And, honestly, I have absolutely no idea how the topic of church same up, but it did.

So, I invited myself to join her one Sunday and she enthusiastically agreed.

Rachel attends Rise Church in Red Bank, a newer church plant known for its commitment to service and outreach. With Sunday services taking place at Red Bank Middle School, Rise Church places a strong emphasis on community engagement, often partnering with local organizations to serve and support those in need. I also want to take this moment to say that churches meeting in community spaces are near and dear to my heart because they reflect the very essence of what the church was always meant to be—not confined within four walls, but embedded in the heart of the community. There’s something deeply meaningful about worshiping in a school cafeteria, an event hall, a coffee shop, or even a park—places that, throughout the week, are filled with the rhythms of everyday life. These churches create a tangible reminder that faith isn’t about a building; it’s about people, connection, and presence.

During our conversation after the service, Rachel and I spent a lot of time talking about the current political climate and its growing impact on the church. We talked about how politics has increasingly woven itself into the fabric of church culture, influencing not only the way people engage with their faith but also how they perceive and interact with one another. For instance, when I see someone wearing a red Make America Great Again hat when I visit a church, which has happened several times over the past five months, it immediately sparks a mix of thoughts. It’s not just a hat—it’s a symbol that carries layers of meaning, depending on who you ask. I find myself wondering: What does this person believe the church should stand for? Do they see faith and politics as intertwined? How do they view those who might not share their perspective?

It’s not about making assumptions, but rather acknowledging that political identity has become deeply embedded in church spaces, sometimes shaping theology just as much as scripture does. I wrestle with how to engage in conversations that are honest yet full of grace, seeking to understand rather than assume. Because at the end of the day, the church isn’t supposed to be a place where political allegiance overshadows the gospel, but a place where all people—regardless of background, party, or belief—can come together in pursuit of Christ.

Moments like this remind me why it’s so important to pay attention to what’s being said in our churches and by those who claim to follow Jesus. Are we shaping our faith to fit our politics, or allowing our faith to shape how we engage with the world? Are we making room for the hard conversations, or letting division quietly settle in? These are questions I don’t have all the answers to, but I do know that if the church is to remain a place of truth, love, and transformation, we have to be willing to ask them.

There’s no denying that the polarization we see in the world has made its way into many church communities, shaping everything from sermons to relationships to outreach efforts. Some congregations have leaned further into political identity, while others have struggled to navigate the tension between faith and partisanship. Rachel and I wrestled with questions like: How do we stay rooted in Christ when so many voices are trying to define what Christianity should look like? How do we foster spaces where people feel safe to wrestle with hard questions rather than pressured to conform to a political ideology?

It was refreshing to talk with someone who, like me, values both faith and critical thinking, who isn’t afraid to grapple with the complexities of what it means to follow Jesus in this moment. Conversations like this remind me that even in uncertain times, there are people who are committed to seeking truth, loving well, and keeping Christ at the center of it all. It was refreshing and encouraging to attend another church service where faith took center stage, rather than political ideology. In a time when so many churches seem to intertwine their theology with partisan beliefs, it’s a relief to walk into a space where worship, scripture, and community are the defining aspects of the church’s identity—not political affiliations or culture wars.

There’s something deeply meaningful about gathering with believers who are focused on Christ above all else, creating a space where people from different backgrounds and perspectives can come together in pursuit of something greater than political alignment. It reminded me that the church’s mission has never been about championing a particular party or ideology, but about embodying the love, justice, and truth of Jesus—a mission that transcends any political moment.

Rachel acknowledged that members of Rise hold differing political beliefs, but that the church has made a conscious effort to prioritize what unites them, rather than what divides them. The focus is on living out the teachings of Jesus, loving others with grace, and building community around a shared faith. This approach, she explained, allows people from all walks of life to feel like they have a place at the table, regardless of their political affiliations. 

In our current political climate, it can feel nearly impossible to avoid the pull of partisan politics, especially when so many churches have been swept into these divisions. But Rachel’s insight reminded me of the beauty of a community that chooses to focus on loving others regardless of where people stand on political issues. It’s this kind of church that offers hope—that regardless of the external turbulence of the world, we can still find unity, peace, and purpose in our shared faith.