Changing Times

Is the church dead? The effectiveness of church ministry seems to have lessened over the years. I am not bashing the church, I am attempting to examine the effectiveness of the church. I wonder if the body is not being pulled in a new direction. Churches have dwindled in attendance and the number of churches. According to religiousnews.com, “Over the past fifteen years, the drop in religiosity has been twice as great as the decline of the 1960s and 1970s.”

Church has failed in its mission. Jesus, gave the great commission, Go and make Disciples of all Nations. The Gospel of Mark, says “Go and Preach the Gospel.” The church has become a building where people gather rather than a body that seeks to minister to those who have not heard. Jesus never intended the church to become an institution that drew people in rather he desired a body that would be sent out.

I am not criticizing attending church, rather let us be mindful of the ministry in which the church is engaged. If all the ministry is centered around a building are we being effective in reaching the masses? Jesus in his ministry went to the people as did those that followed his example. If you are not growing you are dying.

Church today has become a concert with a motivational speaker to get people excited. What has happened to transformation? The world has rejected the church due to hypocrisy. Scripture speaks of living one way and “Christians” live their own way.

I believe the Lord is looking for individuals to take a stand. He desires believers who will be separate from the world, living in such a way as to bring him glory. We are called to be holy as God is holy. Jesus said, “If you love me keep my commandments.” The Lord wants individuals who are sold out to him, people who will set aside personal desires for the good of Christ. If you fail to exemplify a faith of integrity, sinners will reject everything you say.

I believe He is looking for an Army of Believers to be raised up that will not compromise the morals and values He has established. These believers will take up the mantle of the Great Commission preaching the Gospel to all. I do not see this being accomplished in our cathedrals rather on the streets. The church has served its purpose and may continue to prepare individuals to serve in this Army, however as a tool to reach the lost those days have passed.

People desire personal contact even in this age of social media, perhaps even more so. It doesn’t matter how many donuts and coffee we serve on Sunday morning the lost will not cast a shadow on the doorstep of the church. Let the church break forth from the mortar and plaster onto the streets and sidewalks to reach the lost sinner.

This month marks the anniversary of the Reformation a dramatic change in the Christian world-view. The church has changed throughout history. The outpouring at Azusa Street sparked the Pentecostal movement. Are we experiencing a new change? Will the church undergo yet another transformation? Will believers move away from failed churches to more resemble the early church?

Christianity has flourished in China through home church groups. Will this be the next evolution of the church. Within the past 5 years a minimum of 3 churches have started in our community. Each have redefined the traditional church bringing a contemporary flare. People are not drawn to the orthodox and tradition of the historical church. One thing that does remain a constant is a desire for the uncompromised preaching of God’s Word.