Let me level with y’all. I had a very different plan for my post this week; however, I received confirmation three times from three very different places that I needed to switch gears. So allow me to introduce you to the “Real Talk” Christian Challenge.

Those of you who have followed us for a while know that from time to time the TWA staff will take on a challenge theme for a week or two that revolves around a common topic. This challenge is all about opening up space for discussions about things that are difficult to talk about when it comes to Christianity.

Now, any time emotions, religion and politics get swirled around there is the potential for tempers to flare and that is not our intent. It is a fact that ignoring issues does not cause them to go away or magically fix themselves. We need to put in the work to work out our problems and it’s much easier to do so together than in isolation.

I am kicking off the discussion with a powerful message from Kalibur entitled “Why Are People Leaving The Church?” Now, this is a LONG video so be prepared, but at the 9 minute mark, he starts swinging hard at some of the hard truths that the Church needs to address in order to be the force for good that we are purposed for as disciples of Christ.

Kalibur’s message struck a hard cord for me because I love God and I love God’s people. Yet the pain I feel when I attend churches where I witness much of what Kalibur talks about in this video is gut wrenching. I have a deep longing in my heart for a Church that allows me to serve in the way that God requires me to serve.

I am not interested in tradition if it is not meeting the current needs of the Body. I am not interested in growing the numbers of the church when the current membership is dying from neglect. I am not interested in obligatory attendance without transformation.

I want to meet God’s children where they are.

I want to empower people to care for themselves and others in the way that Christ cares for us every day.

I want to be a part of a Christ-filled congregation that doesn’t confuse the work of Christ with political posturing for power.

I want to see churches become less comfortable within their walls and more active in addressing the persistent issues of poverty, violence, abuse, illness, hopelessness and ignorance that are rampant within our communities that we are charged to serve.

I can’t be the only one who is feeling this deep down in their bones.

Let’s talk.

Marta C. Youngblood is a writer, education and social entrepreneur based in Hot Springs, Arkansas. For more information on her current projects visit https://about.me/MCyoungblood.