{"id":54056,"date":"2025-06-02T17:56:32","date_gmt":"2025-06-02T15:56:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kernbeisser.ch\/what-do-you-miss-most-as-a-christian\/"},"modified":"2025-06-02T18:22:41","modified_gmt":"2025-06-02T16:22:41","slug":"what-do-you-miss-most-as-a-christian","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kernbeisser.ch\/en\/what-do-you-miss-most-as-a-christian\/","title":{"rendered":"What do you miss most as a Christian?"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/1″][vc_column_text text_lead=”yes” uncode_shortcode_id=”211985″]In the last newsletter, I asked readers what they were missing most as Christians. We received a number of responses, which I have summarized below. This is by no means a representative survey for all Christians. As an insight, however, it can highlight some topics that can be referred to in further considerations.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”204407″]First of all, perhaps this: These are reactions from readers of the newsletter. There are many who are outside of churches or free churches. It’s logical that people long for exchange. That is one of the responses. Many are also in more free-church communities, which repeatedly stand out for their intolerance of new or different ideas. It is logical that some of the feedback yearns for openness towards current life issues. This means that answers are shaped by personal experience and often have a specific background.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”436513″]<\/p>\n

Christian community in transition<\/h3>\n

In my opinion, churches and free churches have had their best days. This is reflected in the fact that many people are turning their backs on traditional churches and are increasingly staying away from free churches. Of course, this is not the case in every community, but the trend is unmistakable. On the other hand, I regularly receive feedback from people who are now outside of churches and free churches, but who have not given up their trust in God. They are often alone with their questions and wishes. Those who leave religious communities do not automatically become unbelievers. People may be saying goodbye to traditional structures, but still have a desire for exchange, community and encouragement.<\/p>\n

But how?<\/p>\n

Between the past and the future lies upheaval, reorientation. This also characterizes our time. Christians in the West live in societies that first became post-Christian and today can perhaps even be described as post-secular. This is a radically different world than it was 100 years ago. Past lifestyles and beliefs, visible and tangible in institutions, structures and subcultures, no longer seem to be understood everywhere today. A reorientation is needed.<\/p>\n

You might feel a little lost between the rampart and the ship, between the past and the future, between Church 1.0 and Church 2.0. We are in the \u201cin-between land\u201d and more clearly \u201con the move\u201d than ever before. Those who are aware of this may not want a new old community, but rather something like a traveling companionship in which people accompany each other on the journey.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”160021″]<\/p>\n

Travel company<\/h3>\n

Below are some of the topics that were repeatedly mentioned. It is easy to recognize that people are standing in different places. One position is no better than the other if you think of yourself as a travel company. One sits on the left and looks out of the window, the other sits on the right, in front or behind and sees something else. Someone has been riding for a long time and someone else has just got on. There are differences, but not for judgment (Rom 14:1).<\/p>\n

In my own case, I realized that my journey took me to different places. I learned different things at different points. I also think I’m still learning. I don’t know everything, but it’s easier for me to keep a direction in mind than it was 20 years ago. I see that as a positive. Maybe this is something I can share with others because it promotes life, faith, relationship?<\/p>\n

Here are some of the topics that came up repeatedly in the responses:[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ back_color=”color-731465″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ content_parallax=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”209709″ back_color_type=”uncode-palette” css=”.vc_custom_1748860068184{margin-bottom: 50px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1\/1″][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”140101″]<\/p>\n

Fundamentalism<\/h3>\n

Fundamentalism is a real challenge for many people. Today, this is characterized by things like:<\/p>\n