Did you grow up in the church? What were your experiences? Do you still attend? If you do, why? If you don’t, why not? In what ways has the church impacted your life? When you think of the church, what comes immediately to mind?
These and many more questions I want to ask as many people as I can. The reason is more than just gathering information. It truly is motivated by a desire to understand where people are in their lives as it relates to their relationship to the church.
You see, I grew up in the church. I was a Royal Ambassador. I was there on Sunday mornings and nights. I was there at times on Wednesday nights. I was at VBS in the summer time. I grew up a church-kid. But, I wasn’t whole. I hadn’t arrived. I knew Bible answers, but I didn’t know how to articulate the gospel. I knew biblical stories, but I didn’t really know how they connected to the whole Bible. I witnessed pot-lucks and lots of gatherings, but I wasn’t too familiar with a life of confession. I had many questions (still do), and I think that’s ok. Nevertheless, I came into adulthood with a foundation that I could build a life upon.
Yet, what I’ve found as I’m inching closer to my 40s is that church wasn’t really a part of my life until I more fully understood the purpose, function, and essence of the church. And that’s why I’m putting this series together.
Over the next little bit, we’ll answer the question, “Should I (you) attend church?” by examining the purpose, function, and essence of the church.
BUT FIRST…
Will you help me? Please fill out the following anonymous survey about the church. It will literally take you less than 5 minutes. If it takes longer than than, then you’re thinking too much. Answer the questions based upon a knee-jerk reaction.
CLICK HERE to take the SURVEY.