MAY THE WORDS OF MY MOUTH ... AND THE MEDITATIONS OF ALL OUR HEARTS ... BE ALWAYS ACCEPTABLE TO YOU --- OUR STRENGTH AND OUR REDEEMER AMEN

There was a point during this week when I thought: I am going to be smart. Friday and yesterday was our Diocesan convention. Next Friday and Saturday is our Vestry retreat and the following week is a workshop. So I thought I would be smart and essentially take a Sunday off by simply telling you about the convention. And that is important and we will get you some information about it.

Our Diocese is essentially the Episcopal churches in central North Carolina. Our annual convention is analogous to the state legislature -- one big difference is we only meet for two days and not several months!

In some ways that makes the Vestry similar to a city council. Actually there are pretty significant differences but as a quick over view it holds up.

So I thought I could take it easy ... until I read the gospel lesson and thought more about everything.

I begin by asking you a question ... what is the largest group of Christians in the United States? I use "group" because some do not like the word "denomination". So what is the largest group of Christians?

The old joke says the largest group of Protestants is fallen away Catholics! And as one, I can laugh at that. Some people say Catholics are the largest group of Christians but that really is not accurate.

The largest group of Christians consists of people who say they are "spiritual but not religious". That may not be their first comment but it comes up fairly quickly.

I like the current jargon which does not call people who stay home on Sunday "unchurched". Rather they are called "disconnected". I think that is right on. Many such people will tell you they are Catholics or Methodists. They might even mention a church they attended -- many years ago. But as far as any active connection with a Christian community - they have none.

And asked why not, the response frequently comes down to some variation of "I am spiritual but not religious". I love God but not the church.

When I hear Jesus talk about fishing for people - I am struck by that group. Now I do not believe for a moment Jesus is talking about "fishing" as a power trip -- that we are to force ourselves on people. Nor do I believe He means it as a guilt trip, or fear trip -- that we should scare people into attending on Sunday.

Rather I believe He means it as offering something the people want .... NO, offering something people need.

I get in lots of trouble with my colleagues -- no surprise there! Some don't like it when I express the opinion that when 60% of the population does not find church worth their time - the church has failed.

Now please understand that I do not believe a church can be or should seek to be "all things to all people". But a church should be "worthwhile to many people".

Please also know that I believe, very firmly believe St. Christopher's does a pretty good job of that!! In fact, after lots of prayer and struggle and reflection I have come to believe that is St. Christopher's specific calling from God - to be open to people who know something is missing .... something spiritual ... but have not found a place to fill that need.

Please also know that I firmly believe for almost everyone "filling their spiritual needs" requires them to give - not just receive. In fact, I have come to believe that most churches fail at least partially in not offering enough openings to serve. Most people want the world to be a better place. And especially in today's hectic lives, most people insist on knowing their time is being well used. Maybe even more than their money, that their time is being well used.

So how do we do all that? How do we follow Jesus' command to "fish"?

Last week we heard the answer to that! When Nathaniel said he did not believe Jesus was worth watching, Philip simply said "come and see".

Of course, like any business we need to have the stock on the shelves when the customer comes through the door. If people "come to see" and there is nothing for them to see they will not return.

The Vestry read a couple articles this month about accomplishing more with less financial resources. One of the examples the authors gave was that if a family comes and there is no decent nursery - they will not return. You can promise them the world but they look for what exists.

In a similar way we have to have available what people need to deepen their spiritual lives. A few will come and return simply for the music, or the atmosphere. But most people will find they have more important things to do with their time.

Which brings us back to the "spiritual but not religious" description. Frequently that is proceeded by some comment about how "I can know God walking in the woods" or "I can pray in my bedroom". True! Very, very true! The weakness is whether or not we will do those things. Most people will not. The over whelming percentage of people will not set aside the time to pray - unless encouraged to do so by some Christian community.

Or consider this -- how many people just walk into the food pantry to volunteer versus those who come as part of a group? They may go alone - but they go because the Christian community invited them.

We - human beings - are social animals. We were created to work together. We need each other and especially need each other to help with our spiritual walk.

One of the things we can offer to people ... tell people to "come and see" is the Episcopal Church - our Diocese. I love the Episcopal Church and have spent time in others so have some understanding of the differences. I love our balance of structure and freedom. We have the Prayer Book which provides the outline so the services don't get too wild and crazy. But we also have the flexibility to add or change elements.

The clergy and churches have the same balance. Our Bishop -- similar to a state governor in some ways - has authority and responsibility but leaves flexibility in how to accomplish the mission.

Regarding spiritual issues, our church looks to the ancient Nicene and Apostles creeds for guidance. When we are struggling over something we examine scripture, tradition and reason. Some call that the "three legged stool" an image I don't like because it first suggests all three are equal and second has an image of solidarity and firmness.

I like the image of a bicycle with training wheels. In theory we should be able to balance on scripture alone but in reality we wobble from side to side. When scripture and tradition was understood to say slavery was in God's plan it was the reason - the thoughtful reflections by individuals that challenged and eventually corrected that understanding.

When, actually in the same period as the founding of this country many leaders said their reason made them believe in a creator God but not a divine son or holy spirit ... tradition is what helped correct that wobble away from Christianity.

So we can fulfill Jesus' command to fish for people by telling them to "come and see". We can comfortably and confidently be able to talk with those who are "spiritual and not religious" and tell them we are interested in helping them grow closer to God ... and them helping us to grow closer to God ... and if that happens through their doubts and questions - great!

We can comfortably and confidently tell them the Episcopal Church has lots of struggles and disagreements but you have to be VERY far out to not find people you can talk with.

One other thing I believe it is important for people to understand. To walk into a church expecting not see disagreements is like walking into a hospital expecting not to see sick people! We are a group of human beings and that means not everyone is going to like everyone else much less agree.

But what they should see, and I believe St. Christopher's does much, much better than most other churches with this ... what they should see is people working to live together in peace.

Finally there is something much worse than "spiritual but not religious" and that is "religious but not spiritual". My suspicion is that if we did have a good conversation with people who are no longer connected to a church, they would talk about churches where people were religious but not spiritual. Involved in the organization but not with God.

So let me close with the most important question of all ... and I hope you will share your answer with the Vestry members, and me ..... "What can this church do to help deepen your spiritual life?" ... I have given you a sheet in the bulletin to jot down your answer. Reflect on that question for a moment.

We have previous sermons on our website. To read an earlier recent sermon just enter: www.st-christopher.org/sermon.html.

CLICK HERE TO RESPOND: I would enjoy reading your comments about this sermon. Please feel free to discuss content or presentation. (If you wish to use another email system send your comments to: ken@st-christopher.com)