Why You Can't Dodge Theological Questions

Recently while visiting friends in another state I had a chance to attend a men's group at a small charismatic church, which for someone who has spent nearly 20 years in the Presbyterian Church in America is an unusual event. Much of what I found there was a delight; it is not at all hard for me to understand why non-denominational churches seem to be the future (and much of the present!) in the American church or why Pentecostalism has been such a growing force globally. The atmosphere of the group was warm and welcoming while also being morally serious. A typical man attending a group like this would, I am quite sure, be challenged to grow in his relationship with God and his relationship with others. Indeed, I heard frank conversation about many of the problems facing men today, frank admissions of personal failures, and obviously Christian counsel and encouragement offered in response to those struggles. It was all deeply encouraging. It was also striking and exciting to see how young the group was and to hear from my friend about how rapidly it was growing—and not growing because of cool marketing techniques or a savvy celebrity pastor type promoting it. The growth was rapid, but largely organic and driven by friends inviting friends. As I said, this was all immensely encouraging to see.