"Launch.........................."

Sunday evening, just as the worship service was about to begin, the pastor’s son approached me with a request to begin an at-home Bible study with the youth. There being no time at all for any discussion, my reply was rather short and without any explanation. As I recall, my exact words were: “No thanks; I don’t want to do it.” In truth, it’s more like he didn’t really want me, a man only able to teach it the way he believes it and my theology differs a lot with what I hear coming from the pulpit. That doesn’t mean this old man thinks he has all the answers and, like Elijah up in that cave on the mountain, holds himself to be the only guy left serving God, only that sitting in a position to represent the church carries with it some responsibilities. Though my history with this bunch goes back over four decades, I no longer consider myself a member, occupying a seat in the balcony for the most part and separated from anything that might even suggest I’m one of “the chosen few”. Wednesday evening classes are the main attraction for me, a place where, even if my contributions are not always aligned with everybody else’s perspectives, people never get angry. We talk, laugh, enjoy each other’s company and leave as friends. Would I accept an offer to speak to the kids? Sure! Sharing Christ is my passion; and, in saying that, let it be understood “sharing Christ” doesn’t necessarily equate to preaching a sermon. A one-time opportunity also permits freedom to speak from my heart with the Holy Ghost ensuring what comes forth is out of His well, not mine. In Him, alone, there is unity. E pluribus unum. Anything less than that is just humanity playing with religion……