“Constant movement characterizes the American religious marketplace,” according to a major study released by The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life. The new ground-breaking survey on religion in America shows that we minister today in an incredibly diverse and dynamic culture. The Roman Catholic church in America is showing net losses (though Catholic immigrants, especially of Hispanic origin are helping offset some of the losses), and the two denominations that experienced the most rapid growth in the 1800s - the Baptists and the Methodists – are also losing members. Nondenominational and unaffiliated churches seem to be making the greatest gains and denominational loyalty is becoming a thing of the past. (It would be an overstatement to say it has disappeared – but it is weakening.)
This is a tremendous opportunity for innovative, nondenominational churches that emphasize “gospel only” (opposed to “gospel plus,” legalism, denominationalism) to reach out to people who are more open now than ever to become part of a new community. We need to seize the opportunity NOW. But these changes also represent challenges. In today’s religious “economy” there is a dangerous indifference to important matters like doctrine, tradition and long-term commitment to a local faith community. More than ever before in the church’s history, people are moving from church to church “shopping around” for the best deal like fickle customers. It will take hard work, perseverance and fervent prayer to move people from a “consumer” mindset (what can I get out of the church?) to a “commitment” mindset (how can I make a significant contribution to the church?)
There is really nothing new here – the church has been facing “challenges” and “opportunities” for 2,000 years. We have a command to go and make disciples and a promise that He will be with us every day until the end of the world as we endeavor to accomplish this mission. (Matthew 28:18-20.)
As church leaders we will need wisdom, courage and strength to seize the opportunities before us while facing the challenge with confidence that we can help our communities become deeply rooted in faith and deeply committed followers of Christ in an increasingly mobile and indecisive religious economy.
This is a tremendous opportunity for innovative, nondenominational churches that emphasize “gospel only” (opposed to “gospel plus,” legalism, denominationalism) to reach out to people who are more open now than ever to become part of a new community. We need to seize the opportunity NOW. But these changes also represent challenges. In today’s religious “economy” there is a dangerous indifference to important matters like doctrine, tradition and long-term commitment to a local faith community. More than ever before in the church’s history, people are moving from church to church “shopping around” for the best deal like fickle customers. It will take hard work, perseverance and fervent prayer to move people from a “consumer” mindset (what can I get out of the church?) to a “commitment” mindset (how can I make a significant contribution to the church?)
There is really nothing new here – the church has been facing “challenges” and “opportunities” for 2,000 years. We have a command to go and make disciples and a promise that He will be with us every day until the end of the world as we endeavor to accomplish this mission. (Matthew 28:18-20.)
As church leaders we will need wisdom, courage and strength to seize the opportunities before us while facing the challenge with confidence that we can help our communities become deeply rooted in faith and deeply committed followers of Christ in an increasingly mobile and indecisive religious economy.
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