Church Alive July 11, 2011 Issue

The following was written in support of Church Alive, a focus of The First Church of Christ, Scientist, that explores the meaning and possibilities of awakening to the spiritual basis and impact of Church.

Church and the fig tree

By Barbara Provencal

In the book of Luke, chapter 13:6–9, Jesus gives us a highly significant parable: “A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down: why cumbereth it the ground? And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.”

Could this be seen as relating to the church? Some—myself included—have been diligently seeking understanding as to the present state of my church, The Church of Christ, Scientist. It appears that we’re shrinking in numbers with some branches closing their doors. We’re getting lost in endless discussions about why this is happening, what we’ve done wrong, and what needs to be done to correct this downward trend.

In my work as a master gardener, I’ve learned much about fruit trees. A tree planted and left to grow on its own will not bear much fruit. Yes, it will quickly grow large, and adorn itself with gorgeous, fragrant flowers in the spring, followed by lush green branches during the summer, but it will not be productive. The young tree will spend all of its available resources on supporting the abundance of greenery, and will not have the strength or the energy to produce fruit.