Odd Place to Stick a Sign

White Pass, Skagway, Alaska

There were two passes that stampeders used to reach the Klondike goldfields in the late 1890's: the 33 mile Chilkoot Pass and White Pass. Prospectors (called stampeders) were foot-to-foot on these passes as they strove to reach the goldfields. They made numerous trips over these passes carrying their supplies before ever reaching their stake.

White Pass, or the Trail of 98, became the preferred pass because horses were allowed to help carry supplies.  Horses would cut the time significantly for stampeders to reach the gold fields from Skagway.  However, this trail became obsolete in 1900 because of the completion of the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad.

Because of the railroad the trail was abandoned and the sign now seems out of place.

How many people drive by our churches, see our signs and have the same feeling.  Has the church (small "c") become irrelevant, and if so, why?

"For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified." 1 Corinthians 2:2 English Standard Version

When people look at the local gathering of Christians what do they see?  Might they see people fighting and bickering over insignificant issues?  Might they see power struggles?  Might they see the goal of institutional survival rather than reckless abandonment to the story of God?

The message of Christ crucified is as relevant today as ever.

The problems is not with the message.  The problems is with those who carry the message.  Fortunately God never gives up on the baptized.  Fortunately, empowered by forgiveness, God continues to inspire his people to be what he has called them to be.

So instead of seeing a sign posted on an empty trail, may people see a Church (capital "C") engaged and empowered by a message that is extremely relevant to people today.

Join the conversation at Praying With the Eyes on Facebook. http://www.facebook.com/groups/173881749421231/

(Click on picture to enlarge.)

Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR.