Editor's note: I have the amazing fortune of being able to publish several guest columns. Throughout March & April, you'll read thoughtful words from church leaders like Tim Spivey, Andy Wall, Stan Granberg, Aaron Metcalf, Rick Gibson and more. I previously told the story about the College Church of Christ in Fresno. Previous guest articles have come from Sean Palmer and Steve Martin. My third guest column is from a preacher in the Pacific Northwest. Ben Ries is a gifted preacher who has an uncanny knack for perceiving and communicating the realities that we face on the West Coast. Ben Ries grew up in Iowa and moved with his family to Vancouver, Washington when he was in high school. After a stint in youth ministry at the East County Church of Christ (2000-2005) followed by graduate studies in Texas, he has preached both in Bellingham, Washington (2007-2010) and Federal Way, Washington (2010-present). Ben’s article helps us understand church decline through the lens of...
