Lessons Learned
I have just returned from my denomination’s annual meeting. During this meeting, I observed some passionate people who were upset at the current state of things around the world. Some things were great and some, well, not so great. Here are some of the lessons I learned. (Don’t stop reading because you aren’t a part of my denomination. These lessons ought to apply to everyone.)
First, COVID-19 has been hard on the church. It kept us apart for a time. It is keeping others apart for more than that time as many have grown comfortable watching worship instead of coming to worship. This season has encouraged a selfishness of time and effort in many Christians while creating a sense of sacrifice financially in many of those same Christians. If we learn anything from this time, it should be that we need each other and that the body is not complete without every part.
Second, while the church in the United States has plateaued as a whole, it is growing rapidly in many places both at home and abroad. Where is the church growing the fastest? In areas where persecution is the norm. It seems that the more Christianity costs you, the more dedicated to the mission you will be. Church plants are growing rapidly in America while longer-established churches seem to be mostly in decline.
Third, the coming generation is passionate about the Great Commission. They are not willing to just play church. They want to be involved with leading people to Jesus. They want to establish churches. They want to spread the glory of Jesus. While some might seem apathetic, once this generation gets saved and are discipled, they want to do what Jesus has told us to do.
Fourth, it is time for the church to take a stand on issues important to the church. Many social issues are gospel issues. Whether it is racism, abortion, sexual abuse, human trafficking, or other issues, we can no longer afford to remain silent or even complicit. We have to get involved in sharing Jesus and discipling people so that we can all understand how the gospel values all lives and the dignity of those lives.
Fifth, it is time for the church to realize that we are not the norm in America any longer. We have been spoiled in that we have been able to rely on most people embracing a Judeo-Christian ethic. In the past, even those who would not claim Christianity had a sense of right and wrong informed by the Bible. This is not the case any longer. Whether it is homosexuality, gender fluidity, sexual promiscuity, respect for authority, proper use of power, or any other of a host of issues, we are no longer in Mayberry.
Lastly, the time is ripe to share the hope that can only be found in Christ. With people searching for answers due to COVID, unemployment, cancer, and a loss of confidence in the normal structures we have historically leaned on, it is time for us to share with them the answer to the hunger and thirst they are experiencing. It is time for us to direct our energies towards evangelism and discipleship and stop spending so much time, money and effort fighting one another.
“By this all men will know you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35 (NASB95)
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 (NASB95)
We need to do what He did for us and share Him with others. And we need to love Him enough to love one another. That is some of what I learned at our denomination’s annual meeting. I realize it was not new, but it was something I needed to be reminded of. How about you?