--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: First, if Francis were around today, he'd…" description: "\"“First, if Francis were around today, he'd say our church community relies too much on words to tell others about our faith. For Francis, the gathered ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1bf/ian-morgan-cron-25742_faith_first-if-francis-were-around-today-he-d_1309363.jpg" --- # First, if Francis were around today, he'd say our church… ![“First, if Francis were around today, he'd say our church community relies too much on words to tell others about our faith. For Francis, the gathered community was as potent a form of witness as words. He was convinced that how we live together is what attracts people to faith.” quote by Ian Morgan Cron](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1bf/ian-morgan-cron-25742_faith_first-if-francis-were-around-today-he-d_1309363.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1bf/ian-morgan-cron-25742_faith_first-if-francis-were-around-today-he-d_1309363.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1bf/ian-morgan-cron-25742_faith_first-if-francis-were-around-today-he-d_1309363.jpg) > ““First, if Francis were around today, he'd say our church community relies too much on words to tell others about our faith. For Francis, the gathered community was as potent a form of witness as words. He was convinced that how we live together is what attracts people to faith.”” [Ian Morgan Cron](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ian-morgan-cron/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Living in community demonstrates faith more powerfully than preaching alone. **In simple terms:** Community shows faith better than words. Key Takeaway Focus on shared life, not just speech. Themes faith community witness Mood reflective inspirational Type spiritual practical When to use this quote - church gatherings - small groups - daily interactions - outreach events Key Concepts Franciscan spirituality embodied witness Questions to Reflect On - How can you embody your beliefs in daily interactions? - What community practices strengthen your witness? A Different Perspective Words alone may not change hearts without authentic community. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Church community](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/church-community/) [Faith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/faith/) [Religion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/religion/) ## Related quotes > [“We do not really want a religion that is right where we are right. 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Nichols](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-j-nichols/) ## More by Ian Morgan Cron > [“Neuroscientists have determined the brain’s dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is associated with decision making and cost-benefit assessments. If MRI brain scans had been performed on…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ian-morgan-cron/neuroscientists-have-determined-the-brain-s-dorsolateral-prefrontal/) [Ian Morgan Cron](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ian-morgan-cron/) > [“More often than not, Jesus comes to us incognito.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ian-morgan-cron/more-often-than-not-jesus-comes-to-us-incognito/) [Ian Morgan Cron](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ian-morgan-cron/) > [“Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible. 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