A New Conversation: "To My Friend Who Left the Faith"
Pastor Dan introduces a heartfelt and necessary conversation in his latest message series, "To My Friend Who Left the Faith." This series tackles the uncomfortable truth that many individuals who grew up in the church are now leaving their faith behind. With a decline in Christian identification from 77% to 62% in recent years, the urgency for this dialogue is clear.
The Reality of Doubt Among Believers
This week's message delves into the biblical account of the disciples' doubt even when faced with the resurrected Jesus. This story from Matthew 28 serves as a powerful reminder that doubt has always been part of the Christian experience. Pastor Dan encourages us to view doubt not as a failure but as an integral part of our faith journey.
Doubt as a Catalyst for Growth
Throughout the message, Dan reassures us that questioning our beliefs can lead to a more robust and authentic faith. He shares his personal struggles with doubt, offering a message of hope and resilience. By acknowledging and wrestling with our doubts, we can find ourselves drawn closer to God.
A Safe Space for Hard Questions
One of the key elements of the message is the importance of creating a safe environment for believers, to express their doubts and ask tough questions. Dan emphasizes that the church and home should be places where faith can be explored without fear of judgment.
The Journey Continues
Over the next six weeks as a church we are given an open invitation to embrace our doubts and bring them to Jesus. Dan casts a vision of an authentic church that grows through doubt, becoming more intimate with God in the process. This series promises to be a transformative experience for all who are willing to engage with their uncertainties.
A Bold Declaration of Faith
Our doubts do not disqualify our faith. Instead, they can be the very thing that leads us into a deeper relationship with God. As we continue on our faith journey, we are reminded that faith is not a destination but a continuous, evolving path.