Of course you’re right; it’s the work of God that makes disciples, not the effort of you or me. But, let’s face it, many of the Presbyterians I am writing for are not comfortable articulating their faith at all. It’s time for us to be more public about our knowledge and love of Christ … not only in corporate action but in personal interactions as well. Being tolerant and respectful doesn’t mean we’re excused from sharing our experience of new life.

And, you know that I never equate “going to church” with being a follower of Christ or, for that matter, “inviting someone to church” with making disciples. Disciple-making is much more about living in the way of Christ and being willing and ready to talk about it to whoever God is calling us to.

And, yes, of course it matters if people aren’t showing up to church because we have to maintain our congregations. However, what is more important? That someone shows up to church, or that they help a little old lady across the street, or let the person behind them in line at the grocery store go first because they have like three things? Is it more important that people show up at church and call themselves a Christian, or that that behave in a Christ-like manner without thinking of themselves as Christian?

I know that ideally, people would be sweet to each other AND show up at church, but if I’m going to evangelise, I feel like I’d rather they be sweet and kind and loving — to follow the example of Christ, and possibly not come to church with me, than come to church because they feel like they ought.

Also, a theological question (due to my involvement in an Apocalypticism class, which I really should be writing that essay right now), is that (and no, I don’t ever know what verse it is) if the rocks and the flowers and the bunnies, or whatever, are crying out the name of God, wouldn’t a person whose actions reflect the love of Christ be doing the same?

“The one best way to cause a Lutheran to have a heart attack or nervous breakdown is to ask her or him to pray aloud.”

I get what you are saying, Wendy, but I also know that I have definitely not “brought anyone to Jesus” as it were in the last year. I can offer several explanations that are fully plausible, but I’m not sure if they cover the issue:

– Most of my friends and associates are/were incredibly hostile to the idea of Christianity because of the hideous experience they have had previously. The very fact that I can be Christian without them being suspicious is astounding, given the serious hideousness of their previous experience, and the fact that the only “Christians” in the media are crazy.

– I have certainly attempted (and possibly succeed) demonstrating the love of Christ to people. I’m not sure I’ve failed in the directive because of that. No, I haven’t made disciples out of anyone, but they are grownups and have to make that decision to follow for themselves. I try to love unconditionally, but that isn’t going to make my Buddhist friend be a Christian. That doesn’t bother me, actually. A wise presbyter once told me that “there is more than one path to God” and I have found that I agree with that statement wholeheartedly.

I also think that going by years might not be the best idea. A year means nothing to God, so why should it mean anything to us? If we have loved to the best of our abilities, and tried to show the ideals and love of Christ in that time, does it matter whether someone shows up to church?

This sort of gets into politics and perception and not so much faith, but if I can show a positive Christianity to people who have been hostile (and with good reason) to the idea, doesn’t that make a difference?

I can think of exactly one of my friends here who I can say I have a fifty percent chance of her saying yes if I invite her to church. But she’s already a person of faith, and Lutheran to boot (although she was Missouri Synod, but we can’t all be perfect). Someone else may or may not be observing Lent this year due to my influence and he has expressed the thought of going to Mass again. I don’t know if that’s me, or if it’s them. I do know it’s God…and that’s about all I know for sure.

A knock on the door from someone without a clue what to say.

Elaine
Norman, OK