CHALLENGING TIMES FOR CHURCHES
Steve W. Reeves
From the beginning of its existence, the
church has faced challenging times. The first century church encountered
persecution from both Jews and Romans. Misunderstanding
about spiritual gifts, marriage, and the resurrection threatened the church in
Corinth. Gnosticism crept into Colossae. The Thessalonians were mistaken about the
second coming of Christ. The recipients of Hebrews were in danger of
backsliding into Judaism. The seven churches of Asia (Revelation 2 - 3) were
confronted by dangerous doctrines, treacherous teachers, and the lethargy of
lukewarmness. With each succeeding generation, the church (body of Christ –
Ephesians 1:22-23) has experienced challenges.
One of my favorite authors is Thom
Rainer. For the past thirty years, he has had his finger solidly on the pulse
of contemporary culture. From his analysis of societal trends, he has correctly
forecast many of the changes and challenges facing churches today. Here are
five challenges he has recently addressed, coupled with my own observations.
1.
Our churches equate activity with value. Though an activity is good, it may not be
in
the best interest of accomplishing the mission of the church. Sometimes the
choice is
not between good and bad but between good, better, and best. Effective
churches
exercise
discernment in the activities they pursue.
2. Programs
and ministries became ends instead of means. Many churches continue to
hang on to traditions and programs long after they have outlived their
effectiveness.
Churches that impact their community are not afraid to discontinue the
things that no
longer work and try new ideas.
3.
Failure of churches to have a clear purpose. Many churches are hindered by the fog of an
unclear purpose. This often leads to misplaced priorities and “majoring
in minor things”
rather
than focusing like a laser beam on the things that are truly important.
4.
Church is too often defined as an address. The church must realize that its ministry
and
service is not limited to the things that take place within their
building. Time, effort,
planning,and financial resources must be directed outside the building into the
community and world.
5.
Churches often try to compete with culture rather than change culture. It is easy to
throw up our hands in surrender as we bemoan cultural circumstances.
Effective
churches
explore ways to impact and change the culture in which they exist.
The church will always face challenges.
Thankfully, we have the promise of God that we can be “more than conquerors
through Him who loved us” (Romans 8:37). My prayer is that each of us will
remain “steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord” (1
Corinthians 15:58).
- Steve W. Reeves
Searcy, Arkansas
