A membership video from the Presbyterian Church (USA) includes the following quote: “In our church we do not claim to have all the answers, but rather we seek to ask the right questions.” At ELPC, we believe that is a healthy response for anyone striving for a vibrant, growing, healthy faith.
- We ask questions about things we care about.
- We ask questions when we want to understand difficult things or find resolution for that which is troubling us.
- We ask questions to make sure we are hearing clearly what another person is sharing with us.
- We ask questions as a humble practice acknowledging that there is always more to learn in life.
- We ask questions as a mark of a curious, open mind anxious to engage fully with all that God wishes to reveal to us.
Asking questions is not the same as expressing doubt. Nor are questions automatically designed to challenge or contradict what is being taught in church. Sincere questions engage the persons being asked and seek to walk together with them in a dialogue of respect and mutual learning.
The best example of this type of “faithful questioning” comes from early in John’s gospel. Jesus was passing by the region where John the Baptist was teaching his disciples. When Jesus was spotted, two people ran to catch up with him and asked him a question: “Rabbi, where are you staying?” In response, Jesus simply said: “Come and see” (John 1:35–39).
If you’ve got questions, know that we do, too. That’s why our response is to invite you to ELPC to “come and see.” Let us grow in our faith and knowledge and active service together!