Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 6
In the “liberal” church with a band and worship songs, Heiko “wasn’t very impressed,” but among the Mennonites he said, “They follow Jesus, and I can see that”; what do you think he saw there that he didn’t see before, and what does that imply God intends to communicate through a church?
Another way to ask: Why do you think Heiko could “see” people following Jesus among the Mennonites but not in the other church? What does that suggest God wants a church to show the world?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
The transcript suggests Heiko saw tangible discipleship—people whose lives and interactions made it obvious they were following Jesus—rather than just a worship style or program. It implies God intends the church to communicate Christ through authentic life and love that can be “seen.”
- The first church is described as “really kind of liberal” and had “a band playing with worship songs and stuff,” yet “Heiko wasn’t very impressed.”
- When visiting the Mennonites in Waterford, Heiko said, “This is different. I really appreciate these people. They follow Jesus, and I can see that.”
- The interviewer probes the key difference: not “legalism and the rules,” but “the love that you saw… the way people interacted with you.”
- Sabina affirms authenticity: “If you want to do something, just do it… It needs to be authentic.”
- Dan Yoder’s approach is relational and sincere: he “invited him… was friendly, took interest,” which seemed “more winning.”