Pastor Jesse Bradley, the leader of Grace Community Church in Auburn, Washington, has dedicated his life to helping individuals navigate through their faith dilemmas and challenges. Recently, he received a query from a married mother of four who described herself as deeply spiritual and faith-filled but had not been attending church regularly since the pandemic began. Although she prayed frequently throughout the day, she felt a sense of unease about her lack of church attendance, especially on Sundays.
In response to this dilemma, Pastor Bradley acknowledged the shift in America’s connection with houses of worship. He stated that various factors, such as the pandemic, cultural pace, work schedules, negative experiences, and shifting priorities, contribute to this reality. Pastor Bradley noted that faith is no longer confined to a particular building, day, or hour of the week. Rather, it is about maintaining a 24/7 relationship with God.
To address this individual’s situation, as well as others struggling with church attendance but maintaining strong faith beliefs, Pastor Bradley outlined three important considerations:
1. Recognize that faith is ultimately about having a continuous relationship with God. He emphasized the concept of abiding, as mentioned in the Gospel of John, where Jesus urges his followers to remain connected to Him like branches to a vine. By walking closely with God in their everyday lives, individuals can experience spiritual growth and bear fruit.
2. Develop habits that strengthen faith and cultivate a vibrant spiritual life. Pastor Bradley highlighted the transformative and uplifting effects of praying, reading the Bible, and serving others on a daily basis. He advised starting small and allowing God to guide one’s steps. Having a structured prayer life, including adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication, as well as a clear reading plan for the Bible, can provide a strong foundation for spiritual growth.
3. Stay engaged with a community of faith. Despite the challenges of attending physical church services, Pastor Bradley pointed out that many churches offer alternatives such as live-streaming, midweek Bible study groups, community outreach, and prayer groups. He encouraged individuals to explore these options and prioritize returning to weekend services for the full experience of singing, sacraments, learning, and support from fellow believers. Choosing a church should be a prayerful decision, and God will provide discernment in finding the right community.
Pastor Bradley highlighted the significance of in-person connections and the importance of church as emphasized throughout the Bible. Drawing from his personal journey of discovering faith later in life, he emphasized the transformative power of trusting God completely and encouraged individuals to embark on a journey they never imagined possible.
In conclusion, Pastor Jesse Bradley brings personal context and empathetic understanding to assist individuals grappling with their faith or its practice. He assures them that trusting God completely will lead them on an extraordinary journey.
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