8/23/24

A friend of mine is a really big deal in the Christian, pastor, religious world. We talk often and I’m floored that sometimes he wants my thoughts on the state of the Church today. I don’t fancy myself a deep thinker or expert on anything. I think I stumble fall into most opportunities that have come my way but after 37 years of Church work, I have seen a lot.

The question posed in the conference call forum was simple: What is the most important function of the Church today? I was asked by my friend to sit in on the conversation. There were seminary professors, pastors of large churches, writers for online blogs and magazines, my friend who speaks all over the country and…me. The discussion started with some strong assertions, “Good theological training. People don’t know what they believe.” “Teaching the meaning of true worship and how to worship.”  “Biblical doctrine and how the Bible is applicable to our lives in an everchanging world.” I could have gotten behind several statements thrown out by the experts.

Then I was shocked, my fiend said, lets hear what Brian thinks. I’m sure everyone said “who?” I thought I was just sitting in for the experience, but now I was being asked what I thought the function of Church really was. With some hesitance, I spoke up and said, “Long term discipleship” Long after our sermons, programs and prayers, are people still walking with Jesus? The discussion went on for another hour and we wrapped up with a prayer.

My friend thanked me and said, “you have given me something to really think over.” I felt somewhat important for a moment before being clobbered in a soccer game later that day. Long-term discipleship. The long walk with Jesus, yep I think that’s it.

Brian