Not all roads in Russia are paved and smooth. Not elsewhere in life either. Jesus said, “narrow [is] the road that leads to life.” (Matthew 7:14)

Narrow roads in the countryside often have two clear tracks, one for each part of wheels on the car or cart. I also see two parallel tracks for the church to follow on its way forward.

The inner life. The quality of a Christianity comes from inside. Jesus said, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, ‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.” (John 7:37-38) True Christianity is not a religion; it is a relationship. Therefore, it is so important to nurture the personal relationship to Jesus. Let us not treat him like a distant relative, whom we out of decency have to visit now and then. Let us treat him as our beloved, whom we want spend time with as much as possible.

As we call our closest friends on the telephone every day, let us talk to Jesus in prayer every day.

As we love to receive SMS messages from our friends, and eagerly check our mail and e-mail as often as possible, let us read what God wants to tell us through the Bible every day.

As we look forward to next family dinner, let us not miss the Sunday worship service in the church. “I have loved you with an everlasting love,” (Jeremiah 31:3) says God. Let us actively stay in love with him. 

Church development. “Of this gospel I have become a servant according to the gift of God’s grace… ¹⁰so that through the church the wisdom of God in its rich variety might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.” (Eph 3:7 and 10, emphasis added). Paul here describes God’s main strategy for reaching out to the whole world. The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church simply states, “Local churches provide the most significant arena through which disciple-making occurs.” (NEBoD ¶ 120)

Therefore, what we do in our congregations is so important.

I am impressed a by the McDonalds culture. Their restaurants are easy to find thanks to clear signs. You cannot get everything there, but what they have is of good quality. The employers – from cleaners to the manager – are well trained, know what they are doing, and are focused on doing their very best for everyone who comes.

They do all this for a hamburger! I cannot see why we in our local should make less effort for our cause. We have something much more important than a hamburger to serve people! I do not want our United Methodist local churches to copy the McDonalds culture. But I hope that the United Methodist culture would be known for the same level of seriousness, quality and focus. 

“Now that we're on the right track, let's stay on it.” (Philippians 3:16 according to The Message) For a church it is essential to follow the follow the double track of inner life with Jesus and intentional church development. Without one of them, we lose track.