A number of books by denominational authors published this year paint a gloomy picture of the condition of their churches. Here are some examples:
The Hope in Our Scars discusses the “underground of disillusionment”: “The church, from within, is embroiled in racism, misogyny, marginalization, and hatred. Her youth are growing up and saying, ‘No thanks.’ A whole movement of previously committed Christians are deconstructing. The ‘nones’ are on the rise.”
The Great Dechurching is a “detailed sketch of demographics, size, core concerns, church off-ramps, historical roots, and the gravity of what is at stake.”
Life in the Negative World insists that “Christians must begin thinking like a ‘moral minority.’”
Tombstones to Cornerstones has been called “a guide to avert demise for declining churches.”
Observations:
A building is only as strong as its foundation. Denominations have been building on the wrong foundation for years. Many of their doctrines reject the authority of Scripture. Jesus said, “But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” (Matt. 15:9). Every denomination is opposed to the congregational Christianity taught in the New Testament where each congregation governs itself (Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5; Heb. 13:17). Many of them have used entertainment and gimmicks to draw crowds. These manmade devices were bound to fail in time.
Leaving is a revealing, not a sudden change. Trials and temptations don’t make someone turn away from the Lord. They bring out what was already inside a person. Some Christians “for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away” (Luke 8:13). Others become “choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life” (Luke 8:14). The question “Why are Christians leaving?” is really no different from the question “Why do some Christians stay?” Either way, it is a choice.
Genuine Christians look at what is good in the church. They don’t look for something to complain about and use it as an excuse to quit. They don’t let personal disagreements with other members turn them against God. They look for the good in the congregation whether it is many or few, whether the preacher is dynamic or awkward, or whether the building is as nice as the newest church in town. The truth is that there are small congregations with an old building and a not-so-eloquent preacher who are pleasing to the Lord while others with all the bells and whistles are not.
The Lord’s church is not fastened to a piece of ground. It spreads and grows in some places more than others and it does not remain in one locality indefinitely. The church started in Jerusalem and grew by the thousands, yet today there are exceedingly few Christians in that part of the world. God knew that decline was coming. He also knew that others in different parts of the world down to our time would believe the gospel and obey it and be saved. The “death” of a congregation is like the death of an individual. It’s not the end. It’s a transition. God already knows where the next fertile field will be a hundred or a thousand years down the road if the world stands. His kingdom will stand forever (Dan. 2:44; Matt. 16:18). In that we should rejoice without ceasing.
Kerry
West End church of Christ • September 22, 2024
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