I’m One of Them

Almost everybody I talk with now are not in the church*. Here’s the demographic:

1. They never have been a part of one.
2. They used to be but aren’t anymore.
3. They are connected to one but never go.
4. If they are part of one, they are trying to figure out how to leave.

I totally sympathize with every one of these groups. I completely understand why they feel the way they do and empathize with the decisions they’ve made. I’m one of them.

Of course, I myself have left the church for what I think are good reasons. But I still believe I am a part of the church. I appreciate my Christian heritage and acknowledge that no matter how or what I communicate, my roots are found in and my nourishment has come from the rich soil of the Christian faith and the church life that has nurtured me for decades. I will never deny that.

But I see this not only as a way to be honest about who I am, but also as a kind of window into the religious life and spiritual experience of all people. Indeed, my z-theory is an attempt to articulate what this “window” means to me and what I think it may mean for others.

I think I am on a very interesting journey and I’m excited about it.

*When I say “church” I mean a local congregation of gathering Christians.