Recently, I led a trip to Germany and Switzerland to explore the Protestant Reformation, concluding in Berlin with reflections on the Cold War and World War II. It is a journey I have led many times with students and church members. The overarching question I pose to each group is this: What is the role of the Church throughout history as a prophetic voice both within and beyond its own walls?

A few weeks ago, my friend, whom I have known since birth, died in a tragic accident. Our moms were best friends, so we shared everything in life. In fact, at six weeks old, I was…