HAL BRADY: If the church ceased to exist

If the church ceased to exist, would it be missed? What kind of question is that? We could just say “yes” and “no” and be done with it. “Yes,” it would be missed by a large number of us who love the church and what it represents. I’m talking about people who are seeking to actively demonstrate their discipleship. “No,” it would not be missed by a number of others. Here I’m referring to those outside the church and even some inactive folks inside the church.

The late Dr. Frank Harrington, long time pastor of Peachtree Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, said that he was invited to a Conference with 30 other large church pastors to discuss the future of the church. He said they focused on the challenges and choices that would confront the church in the 21st Century. Dr. Harrington continued on to say that the high moment of the Conference came for him when one of the leaders raised this sobering question: “If the church you currently serve would cease to exist, who would miss it? Would anyone notice or would anyone care?” When I read that question my own homiletical mind moved into high gear. I knew sooner or later I would have to deal with that question in my own way. The following are several thoughts on why the church would be missed if it ceased to exist.