Let's face it, I know with some certainty that I've been the former more times than I care to discuss... but I do think that slowly I'm becoming more of the latter:
The recent Pew Research Center’s religious landscape poll showing a rising number of “nones” in America presents a challenge as well. So what’s the answer? What will attract men back to the Church?
There are a lot of things that can be done, and no single silver bullet will reverse things. But I have one, simple suggestion for starters: Be a disciple, not a dicksciple.
We all know what a disciple is. Disciples attract. Disciples challenge. Disciples are guided by the Holy Spirit, using their charisms to build up God’s Kingdom, thus leading men – and women! – into the Church. Disciples are in relationship with Jesus Christ, on a deep and intimate level. Not in terms of “I know who Jesus is”, but in terms of “Jesus has called me, and I am following Him.” And then they invite others to follow along. Fellow Patheos blogger Sherry Weddell wrote the awesome book Forming Intentional Disciples, which highlights the critical need for the Church to form disciples (note: I’ve read the book, gone through the Called & Gifted process, and came out a changed man. Very powerful. I highly recommend it).
A dicksciple, on the other hand…well, let’s highlight the signs of dickscipleship.
And highlight LarryD goes on to do. Read the whole thing.
And let me know when I'm being a dicksciple would ya?
Comments