Wednesday, February 2, 2011

The future of the church depends of us

Read a recent survey by Lifeway which stated that 72 percent of Millennials identified themselves as "spiritual," but not "religious.". They went onto say that many didn't read the bible or any other sacred text. Seldom did they pray with others or go to church. Over half identified themselves as "Christian" but still didn't practice typical religious activity. And only about 40 percent felt a personal call or responsibility to spread the Gospel. (Survey found in Neuevemagazine Summer 2010 Issue)

Thomas Rainer, president of LifeWay Christian Resources went onto to say, "The Millennial generation will see churches closing as quickly as GM dealerships."

So what does all this say about the future of the church? I just read an article today about Andy Stanley's church North Point in Atlanta Georgia has embraced the 3D technology in their Worship and Satellite campus sites. How cool is that! So we have churches that are growing and expanding as well as churches that are dying and closing.

Talked with a friend just the other day about their church is struggling because of its leadership. Usually you see churches that have members who don't want to grow or move beyond where they are, but here a church that from the outside looks progressive and growing. But in reality is stifled by its leadership.

As Church leaders and shepherds of the flock we need to be sure to not be apart of the problem. We need to be engaged with our congregations, involved in our communities, and leaders in spiritual practices. How can we ask and expect others to read the sacred scriptures, pray to the Almighty and be faithful church attenders (I suggest more than attenders but participants), when we don't even do that ourselves?

Our state of the church has a lot to do with its leadership, and I am one of them, so I am not pointing fingers but rather swallowing this myself. Is it really the Millennials fault that they see themselves "Spiritual" but not "religious"? Sure they have responsibility and are held accountable for their own behavior. But do I have some responsibility with or for them. How has the church embraced or pushed this generation further and further away. I have seen many personal friends and mentors fall in ministry. Have seen people leave the church over and over again. Many to their own follies and sinful choices. What example are we setting as leadership when we give up, close our doors and remain silent about these times were in.

I propose if we (I) as leadership start acting like leaders then things can and will change for our future. If we embrace this generation, their questions, their fear of the church we may actually find a generation that can take the church to the next level. If we as leaders fall back on what we know... reading and studying of the Sciptures, praying and loving those who need us. Then we will be the leadership that God is asking us to be. If we become as Paul said in 1 Corinthians 9:20-23 in which he became all things to all people in order to reach them with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

We have the ability to shape the future of the Church, the ability to redeem Her and steer Her back on path. I pray and ask you to join me as we rediscover what it meant to be Christan Leaders and to LEAD as Christ leads us!