East Maple

We’re starting something new. Sure, the entire East Maple thing is all new but we’ll start a new tradition together. Every Lord’s Day I’d like to offer a recap. Sometimes I’ll respond directly to something that I observed (either good or bad) at church that day. Occasionally, I may offer commentary on other significant events that made the Christian Twitter (or now X?) world explode. Either way, every Lord’s Day you can expect a recap.

As many of you may be aware, I pastor The Way Church in Fenton, MI. My wife and I felt led to plant back in late 2018. (Be sure to check out episode 2.07 of our podcast, The Narrow, for the story.) As a young church plant, we have our fair share of unique challenges. One of those challenges isn’t unique to us at all. It’s the problem of consistency when it comes to church attendance.

Now, I want to set the record straight before I continue (doing so would put me in waters I have no intention to wade into and would flood my inbox with hate-mail). Church attendance is not a requirement for salvation.

This morning we finished this year’s Advent series by working through John 1:35-51 and talking through what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. Like the text suggests, we can’t ascend the ladder on our own. We need only to be brought into the presence of God by the Son of Man.

And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

John 1:51 (ESV)

Going to church can’t save you, just like dropping a check in the offering, or giving to the needy, or recognizing your pastor during pastor appreciation month can’t save you either. We ascend on the Son of Man.

But being a part of a church is crucial. If we’re truly going to be disciples of Jesus, community is necessary. So, why don’t we go to church? Why don’t we prioritize it like we should? Why do we let things like New Years plans interfere with our time with the Lord?

It’s because the west has adopted a shallow Christianity. One that I’m going to speak against consistently in this project, East Maple.

Happy Lord’s Day everyone. Have a grace filled New Year!