Do We Have a Faith Problem?
The purpose of the Church, as one of my favorite Lutheran theologians, Dr. Jim Nestingen, used to say, is to “hand over the goods.” What he meant by that phrase is beautifully echoed in the African American spiritual, “Give Me Jesus.” The Church exists to hand over the blessings of Jesus—blessings that the New Testament clearly names as forgiveness of sin, justification (being made righteous), eternal life, and salvation from the existential problem of death. The Church gives these gifts in corporate worship through the preaching of the Word and the sharing of the Sacraments—Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
But here’s my question: Do we truly believe that our corporate worship—where we preach, sing, and speak God’s Word, and receive the Lord’s Supper—actually delivers Jesus and his blessings? Do we believe that something happens there—something real and gracious—a “handing over of the goods” that cannot be received privately or elsewhere? Especially in the aftermath of COVID, I’ve noticed in many a lackluster attitude toward Sunday morning worship. It makes me wonder whether some have grown uncertain that what happens in worship is indeed the real and tangible giving of the Gospel.
Moreover, I suppose with the lack of conviction of God in Christ’s tangible presence and blessing in worship, there may also be doubt as to whether one truly needs those blessings. There are, of course, many understandable reasons people struggle to attend worship. Some must work, some are ill or limited by physical or psychological challenges, and others have family or sports conflicts. We live in a culture that no longer honors Sunday—or any day—as a day of rest and worship. I get that. It isn’t easy to make worship a consistent priority, and I’ve always tried to be gracious in that regard. Our livestream is first and foremost for people in these difficult situations. Nevertheless, could I, as gently and lovingly as possible, stand in the midst of all the other obligations and things that want your time and say that we all need to be given the tangible gift of God’s promised forgiveness often?
What if those who are able to attend truly believed that in worship God in Christ is giving them something they can’t get anywhere else? Really, folks, Jesus has promised that although he is everywhere, he shows up on Sunday morning through Word and Sacrament for us all. God in Christ has given us a specific and real place where we can know for sure God is there. Other reasons to participate in worship—community, music, inspiration, education—are all good, but the heart of the matter is this: Jesus has promised that when we gather, whether we feel it or not, he is there offering us his forgiveness and mercy. Jesus has promised to meet us here in the divine worship service—not with condemnation, but with grace and a “peace be with you.” Indeed, we believe that when we put Jesus’ word with the bread and wine, his body and blood—his very self—are truly present with us. If we truly believe this promise, wouldn’t we expect more than a third of our congregation to be in worship each Sunday? Perhaps we don’t have a scheduling problem so much as a belief problem.
I certainly don’t want to “guilt” anyone into worship, but I do want to remind us of this promise: the “goods” of God’s presence, love, and forgiveness in Christ are being handed over on Sunday morning in a way you can’t get anywhere else. If you need help recovering your belief in this promise, PJ and I are here to help. Something to think about.
