So You Don't Want to Go to Church Anymore: An Unexpected Journey

by Wayne Jacobsen

child thrive in the culture is for them to have caring relationships with adults who are not their relatives? The best gift you can give one another’s kids is the same gift you can give one another—the gift of friendship. And if the kids go out to enjoy some time together, don’t send people out to do child care. Think of it as an opportunity for a couple of you to build relationships with a significant part of your group—whether they’re toddlers or teenagers.” “But since they’re not in a Sunday school class, how will they get instruction?” Marsha asked. Before he could answer Laurie leaned across me and opened her arms, offering to take Jason. “Haven’t you had that one long enough?” she asked. With a kiss on Jason’s forehead and a smile, John gave him up to Laurie and then picked up his fork. “How old are your children, Marsha?” “Ten, seven, and three.” “If you have something you want to share with them, do it. But don’t think that is the best way they learn.” At that, he grabbed a fork and held it up. “Do you remember teaching your children to use a fork?” “Not exactly . . . ” “But they all use one, I assume. Did you send them to fork school, or have a PowerPoint presentation on the makeup and use of a fork?” People laughed. “It sounds silly, doesn’t it? But as long as we think of this life in Christ as knowledge to acquire instead of living in him, we’ll do all kinds of foolish things. Your children know