Barnabas File

“When are we finished being formed as disciples of Jesus Christ? It’s not over until it’s over (in the ultimate sense). We are always a work in progress, with more room to grow. So every congregation needs ways to continue the journey.”—SHIFT I have always loved the analogy of the Christian life as a journey.  The paradox is that each of us begins that journey in a unique place but we all begin at the same place.  Not everyone has a Damascus road experience as the apostle Paul did but this does not make our decision less valid.  Some of us grew up in the church while others came to a commitment to Christ in our maturity.  We brought our own backgrounds, experiences, and God-given gifts into that relationship. At the same time, we all begin the journey as babes, unformed and untested. The wonderful thing about our journey with Christ is that it is ongoing and continuous.  As Mark Tidsworth points out in the quote above from SHIFT:...

Last Saturday night was my first in-person experience with a professional soccer match.   I was not disappointed.   Tied 0-0 with the Seattle Sounders at the 83 minute mark, Sporting KC scored on a penalty and went on to win the game 1-0.   We were right behind the goal when the point was scored.   During the game, it was announced that there was a record attendance that night.   The atmosphere was family friendly and welcoming.   I will be back! I was reflecting on this experience on Sunday and thinking about church participation.   The church I attended on Sunday morning was not packed with people and the atmosphere was—well--worshipful.   This contrast often leads commentators to talk about decline of churches, denominations, and organized religion in general.   If we were doing the right thing, more people would attend our services.   Let’s not compare apples and oranges.   Certainly we do not often find the kind of ent...