The church has hurt a lot of people. For many, it feels like a fence blocking their path, a barrier in the middle of a beautiful forest trail. If you’ve ever felt this way, you’re not alone. Today, let’s unpack this tough question: Is it time to get rid of the church?

Grab a cup of Joe and let’s walk through this together.

The Fence on the Path: A Story to Ponder

Imagine you’re on a peaceful walk through the woods. The weather is perfect. The sun filters gently through the leaves, birds are singing, and the path is clear. You’re enjoying the calm, the serenity, and the beauty around you.

Then, suddenly, you come across a fence blocking your way.

You stop and wonder: Why is there a fence here in the middle of the forest? Maybe someone once lived here. Maybe it was a homestead or a place for animals. It’s old, maybe even useless to you, but it’s still there, in your way.

You walk around it this time. But the next time you take this walk, you come across the fence again. It’s still blocking your path. Frustration builds. You think, This fence should be taken down. It’s serving no purpose, and it’s ruining my walk.

Should We Tear Down the Fence?

Before rushing to remove the fence, consider this: the writer and philosopher G.K. Chesterton suggested that we shouldn’t get rid of a “fence” just because it doesn’t serve our purpose. The “fence” might benefit someone else, somewhere else. Just because a system (or an institution) doesn’t serve you doesn’t mean it has no value.

The same goes for the church.

What Is the Purpose of the Church?

Instead of asking, Is it time to get rid of the church? the better question might be:

• What is the purpose of the church?
• How is it benefiting people today?
• How can the church become more purposeful?

The church, historically, was meant to be a community of support, love, and refuge. It’s a place for healing, for growth, and for spiritual connection. But like any institution, it can fall short, sometimes causing pain and harm.

Reflecting on Your Experience

So, how did the church hurt you? What did it do that made you want to tear down that fence? And was there ever a time when the church was helpful or comforting on your journey?

These are important questions to ask—not just to understand what went wrong but also to envision how the church can be better, more inclusive, and more healing.

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