He peers over his spectacles at the empty chapel, the Book of Common Prayer turned to the proper lectionary reading for the third week of Pentecost.
His eyes fall on a line on the page: lighting upon the disciples, to teach them and to lead them into all truth.
But what if there are no disciples?
Attendance had been steadily declining for some months, but this is the first Sunday when there is absolutely nobody.
He re-checks his watch, again wonders if he has somehow missed a day.
His legs ache from standing so long, but he must stay ready.
Perhaps lightning upon disciples would move them into attendance
Dear Josh,
Perhaps he should consider livestreaming. Well written.
Shalom,
Rochelle
And the title….well that certainly adds to the story.
I’m sure many a minister is questioning their call, and their church attendance these days. I know we as congregants have been out since last march… have never heard high nor tail from anyone in church since. So, we attend via the web at other churches, feeding on the word we can get.
Maybe this is how religion ends? Just a gradual decline until the younger generations don’t bother with it. Ending with a whimper after a couple of thousand years.
The title seems to suggest what part of the the problem might be!
My story!
One of the many tragedies of the lockdowns.
I’m lucky. Despite greater enthusiasm than expertise, our church was worshipping by Zoom from the beginning of the first lockdown last March. We have 70+ sign-on every week which is 100+ people. The church isn’t dead yet!
Poor dude. Perhaps he can at least get a chair…? I cannot imagine God would mind. …
Sad tale indeed but not uncommon these days and not just because of covid.
I think he may need to turn to technology. At least he can preach to no-one from the comfort of his home.