In a phone call with a friend from the East coast this weekend, he mentioned that at a recent conference (UCC) discussing confirmation programs, the presenter said that it was time to think differently. We have spent years training people to be good church people and have launched many good programs, but it is time to focus primarily on making disciples. I say "amen" to that.

We are very good at measuring income and attendance, but we have been reluctant to measure other things, such as whether people are maturing in their relationship to Christ. Do they know how to pray? Do they take initiative in reading the Bible themselves? Do they have a desire to share their faith story? Do they behave any differently because they belong to Christ? Do they have a heart to serve in some way? Do they know their spiritual gifts? I think this is more than just a "return to basics." It is a return to the central call of Christ.