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FAITH IN TRANSITION

I'll say Amen and thank you very much for the most positive article ["Say Amen, Somebody," WW, April 23, 2008] about the church in Portland since The Oregonian's Nov. 30, 1993, "A Tiny Church Opens Its Doors to Addicts." That, too, was a front page story and rare for the media to present regarding the church.

What I especially appreciated was the presentation of the church (especially the black church) in transition from the old (following and more recently worshipping the preacher) to attempting to utilize the vast untapped talent of the congregation as a "Good Samaritan." Wouldn't you know that the impetus is virtually coming from the mouth of a babe (Matt. 21:16), Charles McGee.

McGee is onto something on at least two fronts. He seems to see the need for and the capability of the church to be working in the midst of the daily grind for the good and benefit of people—exactly where I believe Christ's body should be (John 13:1-20). After all, that is where He was during His time with us. Secondly, McGee apparently sees where he can and should do something with, for, and through the church other than be a broken-down, stupid, predatory, ego-maniacal, ill-prepared, so-called preacher. Good for him and may God bless him because he will need the full resources of heaven to even make a dent in this current malaise (Birthday, anniversary, and appreciation fetes for the preacher and their wives and "If you want be anything in the city, you must go through Bethel.").

Hopefully, your article will facilitate a new and powerful movement toward mobilizing the churches of Portland from the morbid death of "faith without works" (James 2:17) to the glorious resurrection of being a servant according to the desires and example of Christ. As far as I am concerned, you deserve a Pulitzer for "Say, Amen, Somebody." Amen!

Rev. C. Bell Kirkpatrick (Ret.)
Via wweek.com

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