Lessons From Katy Perry on Church and Faith

I found an interview Katy Perry did about her song, “By the Grace of God.” Katy Perry has won many awards, including 5 American Music Awards, 16 ASCAP Pop Music Awards, and 5 Billboard Music Awards. Her albums have sold more than 43 million copies worldwide.

Superstar would definitely be an appropriate title for her. She is the epitome of “having it all.” And yet, watching her talk about church and faith with a line of tears streaming down her face, connected me to her humanness and her pain.

This is what she said:

I grew up with a lot of born-again Christian beliefs. It was like just do as I say, no if’s and’s or but’s and I just always like, I have so many questions. I ask all the questions in the world and all the questions in the world have gotten me to where I am at now.

The curiosity sometimes, sometimes, it wasn’t allowed because you had to have faith.

I used to sing this song in church called “Come As You Are” and like I feel like, sometimes, the church does more judging than loving. That’s why it doesn’t feel safe for me sometimes and like, if I was to come as I am, how would I be accepted, because this is who I am, you know?

I think my mom understands that even more so now than ever, but less judgment more compassion. I know that like, God has His hand on me, and I know that sometimes I go through things that I think they’re too intense, I can’t handle them, and then He swoops in and He shows me that it’s His grace that brings me through it.

Powerful. Just let those words sink in for a minute.

“More judging than loving.” That’s what she said. Do we as a church do more judging than loving? Throughout the Bible God commands us to love, to love one another.

“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” – John 13:34-35

We all can think of times where we felt “not loved” by those who we thought would and should love us. It’s not a good feeling—not at all. We’ve all had times in church where we questioned, “Is this the right place for me?” We can all relate to feeling left out, cast aside, and rejected. But church is not where we should experience those feelings. God is love. Church needs to be a place of love.

So, what is the answer?

We all, you and me, can be the church (the loving person) we ourselves would want. We can show love. We can be loving and less judgy. We need to mean it when we say, “Come as you are,” and accept every person for who they are and allow God to change them into what He decides.

I started my Christian faith a big mess, and I’m still working that out with God each day. I’m still a mess, but a prettier mess now. And a saved and redeemed mess. It’s all because of Jesus and God’s unconditional love for me.

This interview with Katy Perry reminded me of something one of my friends said to me about bringing a guest to church who was “a bit different.” She called me and said, “I didn’t think my friend would fit in but I knew you’d make her feel comfortable and accept her as she is.” Isn’t that what church is all about? Accepting one another? Loving?

“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” – 1 John 4:7-8

For more from Lucille Williams check out her books The Impossible Kid: Parenting a Strong-Willed Child with Love and Grace, and for your marriage, From Me to We, and The Intimacy You Crave. And Turtle Finds His Talent for ages 2-6. We invite you to subscribe to LuSays today for regular encouragement.