Inspired by our 2024 Pledge Campaign Co-Chair, Keith Reinhard, I have upped my prayer and reflection time on the question -- Why Church? I had the privilege to be in one such conversation with Keith and our Associate for Newcomer Welcome and Engagement, Bailey Reagan. We were reflecting on the theme of our 2024 Pledge Campaign kickoff last Sunday. Keith began on Sunday telling the story of a dinner where he found himself to be the only person still attending church, which led to his answering why. Keith said he feels good when he attends St. Bart’s and if he doesn’t attend, he doesn’t feel as good. In his campaign kickoff remarks on Sunday, he went on to list those aspects of church attendance that bring him joy and fulfillment.
Ruminating on this, Bailey remarked, “I related to much of what you (Keith) said on Sunday…I too have been asked why I go to church when the question of what I do for work comes up in conversation with friends of friends. I hadn't deliberately thought about it until asked, but I think it's a valid question and one I now enjoy responding to. I find my responses are almost always met with respect and genuine interest, even when the question is asked with an air of skepticism.” Bailey added that for her, church attendance is a need and a privilege rather than a burdensome obligation.
For me, the parent of teens, I’ve had regular practice answering the question, particularly on Sunday mornings as I rouse adolescents from deep slumber to get ready for church. I’ve learned that those waking hours are not the best time to introduce new reasoning on the subject. A better time is the ride home from church, when often, these newcomers to faith, each on their own journey, come up with their own interesting answers to the Why Church? question.
As I was thinking about Keith’s “feel good,” “feel joy” answers to Why Church? I recalled times when I questioned the validity of joy in the midst of distress, pain, and hardships. In the future, in times like that, I will remember the answer to the Why Church? question Reverend Zack recently offered to the Explore class. “It's an opportunity for reorientation towards God and community.”
It turns out a regular reorientation to the relatable and intergenerationally resonant message of joy is all throughout the Bible.
Stories of Why Church? stick with me. I hope you’ll find a moment to share yours.
Jama Toung, Director of Stewardship & Development, may be reached at .
