During my years of ministry, church buildings have been located in a variety of places. There was Monterey Road, Clinton Boulevard, Culver Avenue, Gibbs Street, Duarte Road, Hardy Street. And in 1982, for the first time I became pastor of a church on Main Street. I’ve always thought that is where the church should be – not off on some side street somewhere - but on Main Street.

Of course, you know, when I talk about Main Street, I am not talking primarily about geography. I am talking about ideas and ministries. I believe that the task entrusted to the Christian Church is the most important on the face of the earth. It is far too important to neglect or misdirect.

When we spend our time answering questions no one is asking, while neglecting the deepest concerns of the human spirit, we ha…