Williams Memorial Chapel—College of the Ozarks
Ever wonder about folks who do/don’t attend church?
Generally speaking, I think we judge folks too harshly when they don’t.
I think, too, some of the finest Christians on this planet are not church-goers for myriad reasons—health issues, circumstances beyond their control, work conflicts, feelings of unworthiness, and a host of other things.
Now, that being said, as Christians we’re to “assemble ourselves with fellow believers.” How can we carry out the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) if we don’t continue to grow along with others who are like-minded? That’s not to say that we can’t bear fruit on our own through the study of God’s word and real-life application. For me, it’s just easier if I’m in sync with others who hold me accountable. Does that make sense?
In the fictional worlds that I create, I focus more on my characters’ personal walks with Christ and their relationships with Him. They may or may not be on a particular church roll. I try to integrate that in the story line, but I focus on the salvation message first.
It’s not necessary that I thump my readers over their heads with “religion.”
Instead, I try to let my characters lead by example. Their choices and the paths they take throughout the story are part of the learning curve. Through their faults, foibles, and ultimately—successes, readers see where my characters come from and where they’re headed in terms of their Christian walk.
Becoming a regular church-goer might not be on their radar yet, but I try to nudge them in that direction if I can.
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Questions for you to ponder…
How do you feel about society’s perceptions of church?
If you write, what’s the main take-away you hope readers get from your books?
Blessings Always,
