What the Church Means to Me / A Frank Confession and a Friendly Estimate by an Insider

An impassioned reflection that defines spiritual community broadly as all who advance God's kingdom, distinguishing an inward, invisible faith from rigid, visible institutions. The author criticizes denominational judgmentalism, clerical machine politics, and churches that prioritize privilege over justice, arguing these alienate working people. He urges churches to demonstrate faith through concrete social action—public health, good government, fair labor, missionary work—and to remain energetically engaged rather than institutionalized. Personal candidness about struggling to assess the church accompanies endorsement of lay movements and missionary vigor as remedies for spiritual atrophy. The overall call is for an inclusive, militant, service-oriented church whose credibility rests on unselfish love in daily life.