With baptism rates in Baptist churches down, mainline denominations in what is referred to as a “statistical downfall,” fewer conversions to Christianity, evangelism and mission budgets drastically cut in most churches, and people longing for a revival of old that doesn’t seem to be happening, has the American church kissed faith goodbye? Or has God withdrawn his favor from it?
What do you think needs to happen for many churches in this country to reverse their dismal downward spiral and inevitable demise?
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Has God withdrawn his favor? Possibly, if that’s what it takes to pull his people away from idol worship. There is precedent for that. And we are steeped in idol worship in the US, having made our culture our idol. Has he withdrawn his presence? Never. What it’s going to take is a lot of self-denial and confession, two things that are highly unpopular these days.
I don’t see it as an inevitable demise by any means, though. Rather, I see a new generation rising up now who, though they be few, have a greater understanding of priorities and mission than their elders. I also see elders who have a greater sense of how to pass on he important history and experience. So what it will take is generations willing to drop defenses, listen, learn, and work together. Coincidentally, the topic of the latest book I’m working on. 🙂
As a person that believes in Divine Providence, God never withdraws his Grace and Love from the elect. What does happen is he allows us many ways to worship him. David Lose, President of Luther Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, a couples a years ago started to present a case for the change in Christianity in the 21st Century. This blog is an example of the change that is happening. Where two or more are gathered in my name there I (Jesus) will be. Down the street from my house is a Chinese Home Church. My stepdaughter is a Bible study leader on skype with her cousins. We move from two or more, then to small groups, to large groups, and to a congregation. The question should not be is God left the building, rather how do we move our ministry into the 21st Century.
I think that may be the point. God has left the “building” — churches are becoming people-pleasers and people of faith are seeking different ways to worship and serve God.
Bill, Great point. Many advocates (prophets) are out there teaching and doing things as Missional Churches and Emerging Churches reaching out to the people God is calling, yet the organized denominations do not embrace these revisited ways of reaching out with God’s word.