The truth is that if we want to follow Jesus and have a life that reflects his character and heart, the surest way to do so is to deeply root our lives in a gospel-centered local church. There’s no other way. Therefore, wherever you find yourself in the world, let God work in and through you there.

Have you ever met a new family, found that you became quick friends, and then, within a few short years, had to say goodbye as they moved away to pursue a dream or a job opportunity? Many of us have. Indeed, one of the challenges with making friends today is that people don’t stay in one place for long. Unlike most before us, we (at least in the West) can relocate thousands of miles with relative ease. In our individualistic, career-oriented culture, constant motion is the norm. And while I’m convinced the ease of relocation is a gift, something worth celebrating about the modern age, I’m also concerned that it’s hurting our ability to foster deep relationships, particularly in the context of a local church.

For years, voices within the Church have warned us of a crisis in discipleship. While lots of professing Christians are made through the ministries of our churches, there appear to be fewer people with Jesus-surrendered staying power. Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me” (Mark 8:34). That’s a radical call—a counter-intuitive way to live. Such words push against the hustle, grind, and personal fulfillment narrative that many people spend their days pursuing.

While serving as the Adult Discipleship Pastor at my local church, several questions have arisen in my mind about this discipleship crisis. Is there a correlation between constant moving and the current landscape of following Jesus? Can men and women properly follow him if not deeply rooted in a local church? Does the ability to stay connected digitally make embodied community irrelevant? While I don’t have all the answers, I do have some thoughts that I believe can help the Church move in a positive direction.

A Better Way

We grow close to others as we spend time with them—asking good questions, experiencing highs and lows, laughing, eating, and making memories together. I experienced this in a meaningful way over the summer when our family took a 4,500-mile road trip to the western United States. Car Bingo, overnight stays in unfamiliar towns, exploring beautiful countryside, and eating at unique pizza restaurants had a wonderful effect on my relationship with my wife and daughters. I could feel the benefits in our conversations and interactions for weeks following the trip. As it turns out, being physically present is vital to deepening relationships as it helps satisfy our longing for connection.

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