MY ANSWER

I know I ought to be taking my children to church, but I'm a single mother on a limited income, and I'm afraid people will just look down on us because we can't afford fancy clothes.
Billy Graham writes, "Which should be more important to you: worrying what others might think about you—or helping your children learn to follow Jesus?"

MY ANSWER

Our son's youth group is going on a summer mission trip to help build houses in a fairly primitive country. He really wants to go, but we're very nervous about it. Should we let him go?
Billy Graham writes, "I suspect most parents reading this will understand your nervousness—and, of course, you'll want to find out as much as you can about the trip and how it will be organized."

MY ANSWER

My husband and I are discussing whether or not to send our children to Sunday school. He thinks it would be a good thing but I think they're too young to understand. What's your opinion?
Billy Graham writes, "I would urge you to take your children to Sunday school as soon as you can."

MY ANSWER

My wife and I come from different church backgrounds. How do we decide which church to raise our children in?
Billy Graham writes, "Elsewhere in your letter, you admit that one reason this hasn't bothered you before is because neither of you has taken your faith very seriously. Is God perhaps using your new daughter to remind you of your need for Him?"

MY ANSWER

I've been studying the major religions of the world. Which denomination of Christianity should I study first?
Billy Graham writes, "I can understand why the various churches and denominations might confuse you—but you need to understand one important truth: In spite of their minor differences, all Christians center their faith in Jesus Christ."

MY ANSWER

Can I be a Christian without going to church?
Billy Graham writes, "It's possible to be a Christian without going to church—but you will be missing out on an important part of what God wants to do in your life."

MY ANSWER

I'm put off by my church's high-pressure fund-raising techniques. Should I tell the pastor about my concerns?
Billy Graham writes, "If what you've heard about their approach to fund raising makes you uncomfortable, then you certainly should express your concern to your pastor or your church's governing board."

MY ANSWER

What would you say a perfect church would look like? I'd like to find a church that is as close to the ideal as possible.
Billy Graham writes, "No church is perfect because every church on earth is made up of imperfect, sinful people. Someone has said that if you ever found a church that was perfect, it would stop being perfect the minute you joined!"

MY ANSWER

There's a debate in our church, and both sides claim the Bible supports them. How can each side say they are right?
Billy Graham writes, "The Bible tells us everything we need to know in order to be saved and to follow Christ. But the Bible doesn't tell us everything we'd like to know!"

MY ANSWER

Does the Bible say much about the Lord's Supper and how we ought to observe it?
Billy Graham writes, "While churches differ in their understanding of the Lord's Supper (or, as some churches call it, Communion or the Eucharist), they all realize its importance and seek to give it a central place in their worship."

MY ANSWER

My husband and I are elderly. Are we wrong not to make the effort to keep going to our church?
Billy Graham writes, "

MY ANSWER

I've been teaching a junior high class for five years in our church, and I don't think I'm doing any good. Why shouldn't I just quit?
Billy Graham writes, "If it's not God's will for you to continue teaching this group, then you should quit. But don't stop unless you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that He wants you to!"

MY ANSWER

My husband and I are very disillusioned with the churches we've been in. We've about given up. Any advice?
Billy Graham writes, "The most important thing I can tell you is that God wants us to grow spiritually—and one of the most important ways we do this is through our fellowship with other believers."

MY ANSWER

What do you think is the greatest need in our churches today? Do you think it's better preaching, new styles of worship, more youth work, or what?
Billy Graham writes, "I'm convinced that the single greatest need in most churches today is spiritual revival—for a renewed commitment to Jesus Christ and a greater desire to do His will, regardless of the cost."

MY ANSWER

How can I tell our pastor that he spends way too much time talking about money, without offending him?
Billy Graham writes, "Your pastor needs to know of your concern, and if this is as serious a problem as you suggest, then someone needs to alert him ..."

MY ANSWER

Our pastor wants to attract young people to our church, but some of our older members don't want to make any changes. What would you say?
Billy Graham writes, "In my experience, sudden and radical changes of any type in a church can be very disruptive. At the same time, your pastor is to be commended for his desire to reach young people for Christ."

MY ANSWER

Our church's pattern of worship never varies from week to week. isn't there a danger that church will become so familiar that we'll forget what it's supposed to mean?
Billy Graham writes, "This could happen, of course, and not just if we become so used to a particular style of worship that we forget its meaning."

MY ANSWER

Why do so many churches have problems and conflicts?
Billy Graham writes, "There may be many reasons (at least on the surface). Whatever the immediate problem, however, the real cause is usually a failure to put Christ and His will first."

MY ANSWER

Twice in recent weeks our church service has been interrupted by people's cell phones going off, and it's very annoying.
Billy Graham writes, "I share your concern; it's not only annoying when something like this happens in a public place (such as in a restaurant), but if it happens during a church service it's both disruptive and disrespectful."

MY ANSWER

After my wife died a year ago, I just quit going to church because it was too painful. Was it wrong for me to drop out?
Billy Graham writes, "Recovering from grief is like recovering from surgery in another way: Eventually we need to take steps to overcome our grief."