A Pew Research Center study found that 21% of Minnesota adults say they attend religious services in person at least once a week.
That means four out of five Minnesota adults are not gathering for worship.
ADVERTISEMENT
I don’t share that number so Christians can complain about what is wrong with the world. I share it because it reminds us why the Church is here.
The Church was never meant to be an institution we keep running. It is not about maintaining a building, paying the bills or making sure our traditions continue. Those things matter, but they are not our mission.
The Church exists to connect people to Jesus.
Jesus gathers us around His Word and Sacraments. He forgives us, strengthens us and reminds us who we are. Then He sends us into our families, workplaces, schools, neighborhoods and communities to share the hope we have received.
And people need hope.
We live in a world where people are losing heart. Loneliness is growing. Families are strained.
People are anxious about the future. Some carry guilt they cannot seem to shake. Others look as if they have everything together, but inside they are wondering whether their lives matter or whether anything can change.
ADVERTIS...