I was participating in a church meeting recently to discuss “Christian Formation” options. I would just say “Discipleship,” but no matter. I wanted to make the point that churches in general don’t do a good job at training (we do better at knowledge than skills). So I told this story about Daily Time with God:

When I was on church staff about 20 years ago, I brought in my long-time Navigator friend Rich Berry for a one-day workshop. Among his teachings were how to have daily time with God (maybe you’ve heard me speak of that before!). Anyway, everyone loved him, and about a year later, he came back for an evening seminar. One of the participants told Rich: “When you were here last year, my wife really enjoyed your teaching on daily time with God. In fact, she put it into practice, and it was a great comfort to her in her last days. She was ill and has since passed away.”

A success story? Yes, of course. I’m glad the lady was able to have quality time with God in the last year of her life. But here’s the sad part. This couple was in their 60s. The husband was a licensed local pastor. Why had someone not taught them this decades ago?

One of the group members disagreed: “We do teach it, but people are in different seasons of life and don’t always hear it.” There’s truth in the “seasons of life” observation, but the fact remains that churches often don’t train people to be “self-feeders.” More about that tomorrow. Stay tuned.

Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors. For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the LORD. (Proverbs 8.34, 35, ESV)

PS Portions of this blog first appeared in my blog Lasting Ministry, May 14, 2019.