​Scripture recognizes the journey of the Three Kings, Wisemen or Magi who followed a star to honor the newborn king with their treasure. As you pause to reflect on the journey of the Three Wisemen described in Matthew 2:1-12 NRSV; ask “What Gifts do You Bring?” as, it may apply to your own discipleship journey. 
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Sometimes our reluctance to look beyond the popular, the glamorous or what is trending in social media, prevents us from doing good works with the gifts and talents that God has given us.  We tell ourselves that what we have to offer is too small or insignificant.  Why make the effort?

​In the parable of the talents, Matthew 25:14-30 NRSV, Jesus made it clear that the servants are made stewards over their master’s possessions, not owners. One servant was "given" five talents", another was given two, and the third was given one talent. This parable makes an interesting point; each of these amounts was given according to the abilities of the servant!  The abilities of the person and not the worth of the person.  So to whom much is given, much is expected.  Thus we are expected to give from our true capacity by sharing our time, talents, testimony and treasure to further the Mission of Jesus Christ.

​Sometimes we overlook our importance to the Mission of Christ because we tend to believe that true missionary work is the responsibility of ministers and missionaries; and we have but a small and insignificant supporting role.  As Disciples, we are called by scripture to go places where we have never been, to do new things that we have never attempted and to be things we have never envisioned. 

 Christian discipleship requires whole-life stewardship modeled after the life, teaching, and ministry of Jesus Christ.  We cannot remain ‘Static” and must become “Active” in our faith. The scriptures tell us that “Faith without works is dead” James 2:17. ​

​Across the United States, more people are identifying as people of faith while stepping away from traditional religious institutions. This often stems from painful experiences with organized religion; whether it be the moral failures of leaders, the exclusion of certain groups, or rigid structures that feel more like barriers than pathways to God. For many, exploring faith independently is not a rejection of God, but a desire to seek Him without religious institution shortcomings.

​Barna’s most recent American Worldview Inventory highlights this shift clearly. Between 2020 and 2025, the percentage of Americans identifying as Christian dropped from 72% to 66%, representing a loss of about 15 million adults. At the same time, those aligning with non-Christian faiths or no faith at all have grown significantly. Many are not abandoning spirituality altogether; they are simply reimagining how to live it out.
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​Rather than viewing this trend as a threat, the Church can see it as an invitation. People are not rejecting God; they are rejecting hypocrisy, exclusion, and empty ritual. The challenge for congregations is to embody a faith that is authentic, inclusive, and rooted in grace.

​The Barna data reminds us that while affiliation may be declining, spiritual hunger is not. People still long for meaning, truth, and connection with Devine. The Church’s task is not to cling to rigid structures but to offer a living witness of Christ’s love; one that draws people back into fellowship without fear of judgment or exclusion.
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 Being “faithful but not religious” is not the final word. It is a signpost pointing to the deep desire for God’s presence, a desire that the Body of Christ is uniquely called to nurture. 

​If you subscribe to this belief, we invite you to explore the Spiritual Formation resource page on our Emporia CofChrist website.