a choice that matters

"The theme of an oil shortage suggests the present plight of many Christians. In a recent work on ministry with young adults Terry Hershey observes, “For many who are searching for meaning today, the church is not effectively addressing their crisis of meaninglessness, trivialization, or alienation. However they may define spirituality, many people are engaged in a true spiritual struggle, a battle against exhaustion, bewilderment, and estrangement. In response, they may search for direct and countervailing experiences, a sense of presence, a compelling teaching or discipline to lean on.” 
Those of us at work in the vineyards of the historic mainline denominations hear much these days about shortages—shortages of members, of money, of energy. Our lamps seem to be burning dimly. Could the issue be less one of members, money or even energy and enthusiasm and more one of whether something is at stake in our faith? Is the gospel the truth about which a decision must be made? … Or is it like the thousand other choices to be made in a consumer society? Having oil in our lamps today may have something to do with a renewed confidence in the gospel as an invitation to new life, and to a choice that matters."
(Anthony B. Robinson, in The Christian Century; online)