DECATUR - One young minister is trying to change how people read and understand the Bible. And he's willing to make house calls.

While most ministers visit the sick and aged or pray with those in need, the Rev. Joe Puckett sees a new calling to bring personal Bible study to your home.

Many people don't make it to church, and some churches have people who are confused and frustrated, said Puckett, 34, pastor of Morningside Chapel Church of Christ. Other people have questions about the Bible but don't know whom to ask.

"I believe in getting Christianity back to being the center of the home," he said.

Long ago, he said, "Christianity was a personal and interpersonal religion. Now, I am looking to put the G and O back in the Gospel by going into the homes."

He does not go door-to-door, however. The idea is for people to call the church if they would like Puckett and another church member to visit them to go over the Bible or answer any questions. Those targeted are homebound, old or disabled people who are unable to get to a church.

Puckett sees his mission as that of Jesus, who went out into the world. But in this case, he would be going to homes to share God's message.

He also believes that people have become disheartened by institutionalized religion. He said people shouldn't feel that the church is interested just in their money but in what's going on in their lives.

"Those in the first century had it right when focusing on personal relationships and meeting in the homes, which became a big part of why Christianity grew in leaps and bounds," he said.

"But today, the center of Christianity in the minds of many is the church building. We need to take an incarnational approach to missions and evangelism" - in other words, making them personal rather than institutional.

Darren Sherkat, professor of sociology a Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, said that is one of the most common strategies of Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses, who go door to door and speak to people in their homes.

Sherkat's main focus is on the intersection of church, family and politics.

"Religion is a difficult product to assess, and people are only influenced by religion from those closest to them," he said.

Puckett conceded that people might not respond to having strangers come into their home. But he is approaching his ministry as a way of reaching out.

"I believe we can still connect in some way. I believe there are people out there who will respond in inviting a minister and church members into their home. We have that responsibility to at least try and convert people to Christ."

This is the second time Puckett has been pastor at Morningside Chapel. He served as pastor from 2004 to 2006 and, after serving elsewhere, returned to Decatur in October.

Puckett said he found the Lord after moving to North Dakota as a young man and living with his sister and brother-in-law, who were devout members of the Church of Christ.

He ended up going to East Tennessee School of Preaching and Missions in Knoxville, Tenn., and later earned a bachelor's degree at Regions University in Montgomery, Ala. He is working on a master's degree at Lincoln Christian College and Seminary.

The Churches of Christ grew out the Restoration Movement of the early 19th century, which sought to return to New Testament practices of Christianity. Churches seek simplicity of worship, following the example of the early Puritans in New England.

Charles Wilhelm, 72, has been a part of Morningside Chapel since the 1960s. The former A.E. Staley Mfg. Co. employee said the church has lost many of its younger members over the years. Of the 50 people who attend every Sunday, a majority are over the age of 50.

Wilhelm said what Puckett is doing is a great opportunity to go into the home and answers questions people have. He will accompany the pastor on his home visits.

"Rev. Joe is qualified to answer any question when it comes to the Bible," Wilhelm said. "We want to help people grow spiritually; we're not trying to convert people to the church."

Wilhelm acknowledges the changing scene at other, larger churches that are holding contemporary services.

"Changes are occurring," he said. "Even though the times have changed, the Bible doesn't change."

Sheila Smith can be reached at sheilas@herald-review.com or 421-7963.

For more information

If you would like a home visit, call Morningside Chapel Church of Christ at 428-1236.

Worship services are 9:30 a.m. Sunday and 7 p.m. Wednesday at the church, 1212 S. 34th St.