What about those who are seeking?
Church attendance and connection are not the most fashionable thing to talk about these days.
In fact, the fastest-growing religious group on census surveys is "none." That means more people than ever choose "none" when asked about their religious preference.
As a minister for over 30 years and as a church member for well over 40 years, it would be tempting to simply fall into either a complaining mode or a chastising mode now.
However, instead of saying things like, "This generation is so unfocused and lost when it comes to things of God," or "How dare we as the church call ourselves the church and not reach out to those who are looking for spiritual connection?" I am going to choose a posture of prayer and self-reflection.
By prayer, I mean that I will use the reality of declining church connection and attendance as a matter of genuine prayer. I want to be more proactive in simply naming friends, loved ones and even strangers during times of talking to and listening to God (that's what prayer is). I want to continue to see people not as numbers or as statistics, but rather as people for whom God cares.
I really do believe God cares for everyone with a genuine love. So, in being more proactive in prayer about those who don't have a connection with God, I want to see them as best I can as people for whom God has a plan and purpose.
By praying first, I refrain from judging or looking down on those who are seeking -- or who aren't currently seeking -- a connection with God and with others who genuinely seek to follow God.
The self-reflection part is tougher. For me, this means I want to consistently ask myself and those who hold me lovingly accountable to talk about things that I may say or do, or that the church I attend and serve says or does, that may create an unnecessary barrier between a person who is seeking and the God they seek.
In the Old Testament, the writer of the Psalms put it this way: "See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (Psalm 139:24). With God's help, with consistent reflection and the wise counsel of those I trust, I want to be a reason people seek God, and not a reason they run in the opposite direction.
None of us can or should force anyone to faith. That's not the purpose of faith. However, we can be an example of God's compassion and grace to those who are currently "nones" in regard to their spiritual direction, so that maybe some can find a deep and joyful connection with the God who really loves them.
