Laura Turner in Conversation with Matt Nault
It can be hard to know what to do when you are first asking questions about faith. There are Sunday mornings in the pews, passing the peace and absorbing the sermons. There are books to read and questions to ponder, but when it comes to following your curiosity about God in community, the route isn't so prescribed. That's a big part of the reason why we offer Considering Christianity, a four-week series of get-togethers meant to be a time of exploration, deep thought, and no pressure.
I talked with Matt Nault, our 23rd Street pastor and the leader of Considering Christianity there (Fred Harrell will be leading the other gathering at the City Church offices) about the vision behind this class, who it's for, and why it's such an important offering.
This is the sixth time you're leading this class, Matt. What does this offer to people exploring faith in God and Christianity?
This is really a chance for people to dive into a deeper understanding of Christianity with their eyes wide open. We look at the most important tenets of the Christian faith and we also offer a safe space for people to ask questions they have been carrying around with them, maybe for years, but have been afraid to ask. Some people have significant questions or doubts, but have never had a place to address them. We hope to be that place.
Who is Considering Christianity for?
Really, this gathering is for two kinds of people—those who are exploring the faith and those who have recently become Christians. Part of what makes this such a safe space for everyone is that they are all at similar places in their journey toward Christianity, whatever that looks like.
What have been some of your most favorite memories in the six sessions of this class you've led?
Last year, in November, I got to baptize the baby of a couple who had been in the first class of Considering Christianity. That was an incredible experience. I've also gotten to walk with people as they have found their way—and been found by God—into Christianity. I met with a woman one time who said, "Matt, I think I've just become a Christian." I love getting to walk with people through their questions.
It's also been a great experience for me in seeing Jesus through new eyes. When friends of mine come to visit San Francisco for the first time, I get to know the city in a whole new way—through their experience of it. In the same vein, I get to see people experience Jesus often for the first time, and that's exciting.
What are some of the topics you'll be talking about? And what does a typical session look like?
The sessions are pretty laid-back, and very much a communal experience. You come in, get a meal—there is a meal at every meeting—and for the first half hour or so, just get to know the other folks in your class. Then I (or Fred, at the Tuesday gatherings) will talk about a topic for about twenty minutes. This will be driven both by some questions we've used historically—How do I reconcile the idea of a good God with suffering? Why did Jesus have to die on the cross for God to forgive us?—and questions from the people who are part of the class. The agenda needs to be malleable to respond to the unique questions and lives of the people there. And we'll end the meeting with a conversation among all the people there.
That sounds great. What would your hope be for people who participate in Considering Christianity?
I hope people will leave with new friendships, with satisfaction knowing they have created healthy space to identify and think through their questions about the Christian faith. And hopefully, therefore, there will have been some sort of growth or transformation. To live a life fully examined.
Considering Christianity will be meeting for four weeks starting this Sunday at our 23rd Street location and for four Tuesdays starting next Sunday at our City Church offices.