Throughout August we are focusing on the theme, “A God-First Life,” in worship. The impetus that led me to this theme is the decades-long trend of decline in Christianity and participation in faith communities in the United States. Do you know what the fastest growing religious demographic is today? Those that claim no religion at all. This is why we are focusing on the beauty of a God-First life, the abundant life Jesus brings. It’s a life of beloved identity, deep purpose, abundant time, and joyful community. Our messages will primarily focus on the impact of Jesus in the lives of individuals, but what does it mean for the world?

In the book, “The Great Dechurching” by Jim Davis and Michael Graham, we learn that there are 40 million people in the USA today who used to go to church and no longer do. While this is deeply concerning for people’s hearts, what does it mean for the collective good that God does in the world through the Church? How many hospitals, homeless shelters, food banks, and countless other social service agencies were started by Christians? How many of these essential ministries that care for the most vulnerable are funded by churches? What is lost when churches close and millions of people walk away from faith?

According Davis and Graham, these 40 million dechurched people represent a loss of $24 billion of giving per year in the American church!

When I hear this number, I think of the children on the receiving end of Feed the Need’s Manna Packs. I think of the kids served through LifeWise STL’s Freedom School in south St. Louis I read to this summer. I think of the families that receive goats through ELCA World Hunger.

In many ways these stark numbers look like death, but we believe in a God of resurrection. While the world around us may look like the Church is dying, I believe that the Holy Spirit is stirring something new and powerful and beautiful. This is a refining moment for the Church, and we get to be a part of it! The challenge before us looks insurmountable, but the Holy Spirit is at work. God is with us, and empowering us to rise up and re-ignite the Church. How do we do this?

First, we pray. We pray without ceasing and allow God’s priorities to become our priorities.

We won’t turn the tide quickly or dramatically, but there is one small, simple thing I believe God is calling each of us to begin today.

Build relationships.

Every day, each of us can love people around us and build intentional relationships. It is slow work, but is it beautiful work. People are lonely and longing for connection. We build relationships and love people because God loves them. In my experience, God almost always works in our lives through other people, and that starts with relationships. Is there someone God is putting on your heart lately? Maybe God is leading you to:

Shortly after Gail and I moved to St. Louis we invited a couple of our next-door neighbors over for dinner. We had such a fantastic evening and at the end of the night one of them said, “We have lived here for 10 years, and this is the first time I’ve ever been inside this house. Thank you so much for sharing your home with us. Let’s do this again!”

In their research, Davis and Graham learned that the #1 reason people stopped going to church… was because they moved! People move, get disconnected, and fade into isolation. Conversely, the #1 reason people went back to church or went for the first time… a friend asked them to go with them.

Who is God putting in your life? Who is waiting to be invited? If there is someone God is calling you to invite, don’t just invite them to come to church; invite them to come with you. Don’t wait. Not someday-Sunday.

Let me tell you a story – these words immediately draw our attention; they’re almost magical. Because from earliest childhood stories are captivating, and – whether in the telling or the hearing, a story is an exchange between people, a sharing of information, entertainment and emotion – a connection.

“All the sites have books to choose from, or you can bring one. I’ve read picture books, chapters from books, conversations between Winnie the Pooh and Piglet, books on feelings, chapters on poets. I’m not sure the kids are learning about whatever subject is read (I think they probably are) but I know they are thinking that they are so very worthwhile and important that strangers come to spend time with them.” – Julie Weber, Volunteer Reader

Though all age groups attend Freedom School, the need for readers in the middle and high school age groups is more pressing, and our volunteers found themselves, at first hesitantly, then enthusiastically serving these needs.

“I had been wanting to find a volunteer spot, so when I heard about the Freedom School reading program, I thought it was time to take the plunge. The on-line sign-up process was easy, but I could see that the elementary programs were mostly filled up. However, the middle school program was wide open. I’ve attended the Freedom School location at the UMC Beloved Community church on Mondays this summer and it’s been a great experience.” – Bill Ericson, Volunteer Reader

When I heard the LifeWise representative speak at church about needing readers for the summer, I thought that was right up my alley. I love to read! I called LifeWise and interviewed, then signed up for the site closest to home, and read to middle schoolers. I was called and asked to read at other sites as well. I agreed but I couldn’t imagine that high school students would be interested…I was wrong! Everyone listens. The kids are there because they want to be there.  - Julie Weber, Volunteer Reader

I’ve worked with middle school kids in the past and always enjoyed it. However, I was a bit nervous about this volunteer opportunity because I was not sure what reading aloud to a room of middle schoolers would be like! Would they enjoy it? Would they think it was boring? I knew there were openings because many people (like me) are hesitant about working with this age group. So, I decided to be brave and sign up and I am SO glad I did – Josh Brecht, Volunteer Reader

While Freedom School has wrapped up for this summer, LifeWise has gained some dedicated readers who are eager for next summer:

“The kids were fantastic, attentive, curious, and joyful. I was invited to stay and join in their opening Harambee (which is great) and when I drove home that morning my heart felt so full. In fact, I quickly signed up to read the next week and I plan to participate much more next summer!” —  Josh Brecht, Volunteer Reader

“I’ve learned the cheers and greetings all groups say/sing and it makes me feel like I’m fitting in - not a stranger anymore, but part of the group. Each of the three sites I’ve been to are well organized with outstanding young people as leaders. It’s been a joy! I’m eager to find out what happens when summer is over, and the new school year begins.” – Julie Weber, Volunteer Reader

“We talk about the reading, but eventually the questions asked are directed at me on a personal level. Where have you traveled? and Do you play sports? were two of my favorites. Next summer I plan to either help at the middle school or high school level, as both of these programs need readers throughout the week.” –  Bill Ericson, Volunteer Reader

Though Freedom School is over for the summer, there are still many great opportunities to get involved with LifeWise STL. For more information on Freedom School or other LifeWise programs, email Sonia Francis (srfrancis03@gmail.com) or Gary Klopf (gary.klopf@gmail.com.

Two hundred and thirty pillows were delivered. Check out the highlights and pictures of our success HERE!

Thank you for supporting this team effort to help others!

Love is Brave,

Vicki Haugen