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Question of faith

Some people say it's not necessary to attend church to be a good Christian. Do you agree?

Answered by the Rev. Joe Conner of Hope Lutheran Church, 1801 62nd Ave. N, St. Petersburg.

"While I don't think that worship attendance is or should be mandatory, I would at the same time not want to minimize the importance of the community of faith to one's spiritual well being. Faith can never be lived in a vacuum; to be strong, it must always have a corporate dimension. In the gathered community, one is provided with an opportunity to struggle aloud, to affirm and to be affirmed, to pool resources to better meet the needs of others, and when necessary, to have one's perspectives challenged.

"When one looks at the example of Jesus' life and ministry, it appears that Jesus was always in the business of challenging his disciples to grow in their faith. Without the Church, as imperfect as it is at times, I'm not so sure that we would be adequately stretched in ways that would help us to grow.

"In the Lutheran tradition, of which I am a part, there is a strong emphasis on both "the Word' and "Sacraments.' While one could surely engage "the Word' as an individual, it would be impossible to participate in the fullness of God's grace and forgiveness without participation in the Lord's Supper. The Sacraments are by definition corporate events.

"If the Church was more diligent in doing its work, the faithful would desire the opportunity to worship so that they can give God thanks and praise, but also to be affirmed and challenged to grow in their relationship with God and others."

SKETCH: The Rev. Joe Conner began his duties as pastor of Hope Lutheran Church on Aug. 1. He previously served congregations in New York City and Wheeling, W.V.

A TEST OF FAITH: Conner said the biggest challenge he faces in his ministry is working at building trusting relationships with members of his new church as quickly as possible.