In a book of his sermons the American theologian Richard Lischer recalls a post-worship encounter with a young woman who approached him rather aggressively with the question: ‘What does this church have to offer me?’ I’ll let him tell you the rest:
‘ . . . I recited the most attractive features of our “program”. She looked at me with pained forbearance. “Well, that’s nice, but I’m looking for a church that can help me die. Do you think your church is up to that - and what about you, Reverend?’
I have some sympathy with Richard. Sometimes in the immediate aftermath of a service it is not easy to cope with big challenges like this. But the young woman struck a chord that resonated in his head for years after. Like the time, years ago, when a young man in a hospital asked me: ‘What is the purpose of your church?’
So what would you say? Paul once recalled his first visit to the people of Corinth in which he laid out his priority: “I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.’ (1Corinthians 2:2). However attractive our “program” sooner or later those we are seeking to reach have to come up against this. What makes us a church in the first place?
We can dangle the carrot in front of them but sooner or later it will shrivel and deliver less than it promises. Paul knew not only what would help people die but also to live a quality of life made possible by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
