Today’s readings: (click on links)
Just a Generation Away
Judges 2:19 But
when the judge died, the people returned to ways even more corrupt than
those of their fathers, following other gods and serving and worshiping
them. They refused to give up their evil practices and stubborn ways.
I've heard some people say that we are
just one generation away from the end of Christianity. I really don’t believe
that, however I do understand the sentiment.
Every church has the responsibility of
passing on the faith to the next generation. If any congregation wants to
survive, it needs to take this seriously. For instance, during this year, 4000
new churches will open; however, 7,000 churches will close. There are many
reasons which cause church closings, but amongst the most common is the
reluctance or inability of an older generation passing on the faith to an
upcoming one.
One of the saddest closures that I ever experienced
in Tennessee occurred when an older white and wealthy congregation closed its
doors. The reason? The community where the church resided was now full of
immigrants, but instead of handing over the church to a brand new generation of
local worshippers, the original members shut down the building and ended its
ministry. I believe that was shameful and very unfaithful, but perhaps the present
community is a whole lot better and stronger without those kind of ‘Christians’
anyway.
The challenge of continuity that all
congregations face depends upon how willing church members are at both inviting
and welcoming new people to church. If it’s all left to church staff or ‘someone
else,’ then the church will plateau and growth will stagnate. However, if the
good folks in the pews take up this challenge and encouragingly invite families
and friends, colleagues and neighbors to church, then the congregation has a
much greater opportunity of continuing its Christ-given mission.
Questions for personal reflection
When was the
last time I invited someone to church? Who could I presently invite?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, the Church belongs to
You. You call our congregations into being in order to present a faithful witness
of Your Gospel and Kingdom in our communities. Help us to care about being
dedicated to You and give us opportunities to invite others to Your church
where we serve. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
John
Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you
would like to ask a question or make a comment about today’s message, please
send him an email to traqair@aol.com.
Today’s
image is John’s latest chess drawing called “Opposites.” If you would like to
view a larger version, please click on the following link:
