Covenant Presbyterian Church
        

Weekend Update

from Bob Henderson       

Friday, Sept. 12, 2014  

Dear friends:  

 

"Give me the elevator speech," he said. "I want to know why your church exists. What are you trying to do?" 

 

It was a great question, an honest question, and I knew my answer mattered. 

 

He had to ask it, because these days it's simply not clear why the church is here. Some say it's here to to save souls, to "win people to Jesus" and to use any means to do so. Others see the church as more of a social service agency, indiscriminately (and oftentimes unwisely) doling out resources to those whose lives are complicated by bad luck and even worse decisions. Then there are those who claim to have a corner on the truth, the pre-tribulation, post-millennial proof-texters who are absolutely convinced the Bible predicts a heavenly future for their few like-minded friends, but an eternity of fire and flame for everyone outside their tight circle. 

 

The obfuscation around matters of Christian faith these days is considerable and it leads to no small amount of  conflict. I remember a neighbor's child heading off to church camp and hearing another neighbor say, "Yes, he's going off to learn how to be judgmental." It has made me wrestle with hard questions, like "In what way am I Christian? Can I be simultaneously pluralistic and distinctly Christian? What exactly does it mean to be Christian in a world filled with knowledge and perspective not available in first-century Palestine?"

 

Our scripture passage this weekend (Matthew 28:16-20) is where much of the turmoil started. Jesus launches his followers on a clear mission with specific instruction, tells them to go "make disciples, baptize and teach." It's a problematic passage, and we'll examine it closely at all our services. I invite you to read it in context, aware that Jesus has just risen from the dead and is coming face to face with disciples for the first time since his crucifixion. 

 

Joan Watson will preach at 9:30 in the Chapel. I will be in the Sanctuary. And our new service in the Fellowship Hall continues this (and every) week with great thanks to those who contributed to a meaningful and joyful start last week. We hope you'll come and bring a friend. 

 

Peace,

 

 Bob Henderson's Signature