No, we're not "selling." You're not a "potential customer." Nor a "prospect." We just want you to talk. And we'll listen (for a change).

So, if you belong to and are active in a church right now, go read something else. There's plenty more right here in this paper. Leave the rest of us alone for a few minutes. (No offense.)

If you're not a part of a church right now, or even if you don't consider yourself "a believer" of any sort," please just help this community by telling us what you think.

Again, only tell us these few things right now if you're not in a church!

Here's the deal. If you could tell someone who would actually listen and take you seriously without trying to "sell" you a church or a religion, what would you say to the following open sentences?

1. Regarding a church helping children, I wish:

2. Regarding a church helping youth, I wish:

3. Regarding a church helping adults, I wish:

4. Regarding a church helping parents, I wish:

5. Regarding a church helping families, I wish:

6. Regarding a church helping married couples, I wish:

7. Regarding a church helping any specific group of people, I wish:

8. Regarding a church reaching out in service to this community, I wish:

I make you this promise. Talk to us about one, any, or all of these and I will see to it that the south-side Atlanta churches at least receive what you've said. And I promise you this. We will take very seriously what you have been bold enough to offer. Then, as you perceive our churches in the next year or two, I want you to let us know how we're doing. I'll come back later and give you that chance.

Herb Miller, a national church consultant, says, "The church has far too long talked with itself and judged the world. It's time now for use in the church to talk with the world and judge ourselves (as to the measure of Christ)!"

It has been nice talking with you! Thank you. And if it means anything to you, "God bless you!"