Much is being written about why people are leaving church, especially those in younger generations. Emily Case, Associate Pastor at Kennesaw United Methodist Church in Kennesaw, GA, recently wrote about why she has chosen to stay:
Why do I stay? Because I believe that just like I am broken, the church is broken, that we all are broken. But, I believe that God can often work best through brokeness.
Why do I stay? Because I have seen lives changed because someone held their hand while they cried. Because I have seen lives changed by hearing the stories in scripture. Because I have seen lives changed through the power of prayer . . .
Why do I stay? Because I believe that Jesus can change the world . . .
So What?
While considerable attention is being given to those who have left, I believe it is important to listen to the voices of those who have chosen to stay. One reason I have chosen to stay is because following the way of Jesus for a lifetime is only possible in community. Why do you stay?