08/11/2026
I’ve been “church shopping” as a guest these last few months while on sabbatical, and I’ve noticed something that concerns me deeply about the future of the church.
It’s not robes or no robes.
Screens or no screens.
Bulletins or no bulletins.
Music styles.
Coffee quality.
It’s this:
We are often so glad to see the people we already love that we miss the new person sitting right next to us — the person Jesus may be asking us to love.
The future of the church will not be secured by a pastor, a program, a screen, a robe, or a style.
It will be shaped by ordinary people who trust the nudging of the Holy Spirit. Reluctant disciples like you and me who decide that the person sitting next to us is worth the risk of one awkward hello.
“Hi, my name is _____. I don’t think we’ve met yet. What brought you here today?”
That little moment may feel uncomfortable to you.
But it may feel like grace to them.
So here’s the Sunday challenge:
Don’t leave worship with only a complaint about what has changed.
Leave with a name.
Learn the name of someone you don’t know yet. Invite them to coffee and donuts. Ask their story. Make room.
You never know who came to church wondering if anyone would notice.
Hhmmm.
