Recently, the Barna Group of Ventura California published an article claiming that Christianity is no longer the default religion of America. It is an excellent article and I highly suggest you read it at the link provided.
Their research concluded with four implications. First, Americans see religion in what I call the Golden Corral syndrome. We approach our religion in a similar manner that we approach the buffet table. Those things that are satisfying and delicious, we pick and the things that are distasteful yet helpful, we leave behind. Americans no longer look to the “full” counsel of God to form their beliefs about God and what He would have us do. It is a pick and choose mentality. Second, contradicting viewpoints are embraced. The example given is that while one may claim the Bible to be, “totally accurate in all of the lessons it teaches,” that same person may also believe that Jesus sinned. Third, Americans no longer look to Christianity exclusively for the formation of their religious beliefs. They now embrace other world religions in guiding their theological viewpoints. Finally, the way we form our religious viewpoints have changed. In the past most Americans relied upon personal Bible reading, listening to a sermon, or participating in a Bible study. Today more Americans are looking to their “feelings and emotions” rather than gathering information in the traditions of the past.
After reading this article a question came to mind, “What do we do as a church in accomplishing our mission of making disciples?” I then recalled 2 Timothy 4:1-5. Paul knew his time was short and wanted to prepare Timothy for a coming period when people would want, “to have their ears tickled” and they would, “accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance with their own desires.” Furthermore they, “will turn their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.” Myths in this instance means they would embrace the fictitious rather than fact. While this particular scripture was a letter written to Timothy, it has also been preserved for the church of today and speaks to all of us. I find it interesting that what Paul wrote nearly 2000 years ago fits perfectly with what the Barna Group has concluded in their research. So, “What do we do in light of our changing culture?”
Paul charged Timothy with five things. First, he was to “preach the word.” The word “preach” speaks of a herald for the emperor who would announce the emperor’s dictates to his people. The herald would not give his own personal dictates nor would he pick and choose what part of the message to deliver to the people. Whether it was in good or bad times or the message would garner a negative response from the people, the herald would deliver the message in its entirety. We must deliver the full message of God’s Word in its entirety and not shy away from its reproving or rebuking parts. This also means that we are to go where the people are living their lives. Yes, I still believe in pulpit preaching, but that is only part of the proclamation ministries of the church. We are to go into the businesses, coffee shops, ball games and other venues in delivering God’s Word. It is the churches responsibility to penetrate every aspect of our society with the dictates of our King of kings and Lord of lords.
Second, we are to, “be sober in all things.” What Paul is calling Timothy to do is to be circumspect and alert of his surroundings so as not to fall into the errors of those seeking to have their “ears tickled.” We need to check every aspect of our changing cultural leanings to the solid foundation of Gods Word so that we may be adequate and equipped to do the Lord’s will. Fads and gimmicks have no place among God’s people.
Third, while remaining true to proclaiming the entire counsel of God, we should expect and endure hardship. Like a soldier who is engaged in battle then is told to march for forty eight hours and engage another enemy, we should expect and be prepared for hardships and resistance at multiple points from our common enemy, satan. Praise be to God that his people can endure hardships for remaining true to His Word.
Fourth, we are to do the work of an evangelist. The Greek text is specific here. It is not the position of an evangelist Paul is talking about, but the work we do should have at its core the opportunity to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ. We must be ever reaching out to those we come in contact with. An evangelist is always going, the church today should recognize that the “come and see” methods of the recent past are no longer as powerful as they once were. While there is still a place for them, the church must transition and reclaim the biblical mandate of “going and telling.”
Finally, we are to fulfill our ministry. What Paul is trying to convey here is that Timothy is not to be lazy or content with where he is in his ministry. Churches today have become content with where they are and dare I say lazy also. From the research I have seen and heard, eighty percent of churches are either plateaued or declining. This shows evidence of a healthy dose of contentment and laziness. There are still lost people out there and a world who needs to hear the gospel. Contentment is found in being busy in non essentials while ignoring what is of utmost importance: finding ways to accomplish our mission of making disciples.
In our previous post, Dr. Bart Barber gave a book review of Dr. Bob Pearle’s book, “The Vanishing Church.” Dr. Pearle hits the nail on the head when he states, “Wherever believers are going, they are to share the Gospel.” (pg. 72) May that be the heartbeat of any church, but especially those who identify themselves as particularly Baptist.
How we communicate the truth of the gospel will change from time to time. The idea of using a computer to reach people with the gospel would have been unheard of 30 years ago. Now there are thousands of blogs and websites dedicated to the proclamation of the gospel message. However, while the “how” will change over the years and decades, the “what” that we will proclaim is never going to change. The message of redemption from our sins is timeless and powerful.
Joe
Amen!
Robin,
Excellent post. Very true.
David
David
Thanks
Thank you, Robin. Well said.
Dr. Yarnell
As always, thank you for you kind words.
Brother Robin,
Good words my friend. All the points were great, and I really honed in on the fourth.
When you said…. “do the work of an evangelist. The Greek text is specific here. It is not the position of an evangelist Paul is talking about, but the work we do should have at its core the opportunity to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ. We must be ever reaching out to those we come in contact with. An evangelist is always going, the church today should recognize that the “come and see” methods of the recent past are no longer as powerful as they once were.”
That comment is spot on….. I think you have hit on a blind spot for a lot of Baptists in our contemporary culture. I have found many that call themselves Christians today have an interesting view of the church. If you were to blindfold and ask any number of people what comes to their mind when you say the word church, ….it would more than likely be images of steeples, the place they attend on Sundays, nice church buildings, going to the next good conference, excellent nurseries, etc. Wouldn’t it be interesting to teach a different view where folks immediately see their brother and sister in Christ pop up in their minds. It seems because of our misplaced thoughts concerning who the church is, we quickly distance ourselves from real evangelism and begin inviting people to “the building” and improvements that people may be impressed with, instead of to the Christ… the temple made without hands.
Mark 14:58 “We heard Him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with hands, and in three days I will build another made without hands.’”
So your right, we must go and tell about the Christ,…instead of come see our new facilities.
Blessings,
Chris
Excellent words my brother.
Sola Gratia.
Scott
Appreciate the kudos.
Chris
Actually the Greek from the fourth point came from Wuest and some grammars. But the premise is correct. Thanks for the kind words.
Robin
Robin,
You are spot on in these points. But what has brought us to this point? What has gone wrong between the church of the first century, who knew it was their responsibility to take the gospel with them at all times, and the church of the 22nd century who, for the majority, think it is the higherling, oops I mean pastors, job to tell people about Jesus? I believe that the answer lies in the command to make disciples, as you referenced, verses the desire to evangelize, do missions, plant churches, etc… You see, you can do all these things and not make disciples of Jesus, but you cannot help but do these things if you know your primary responsibility as a disciple is to make disciples.
Mike
I believe what has brought us to this state is that the past culture, in many ways, worked in our favor. Before the days of the internet, TV, radio, or even the school sports frenzy among our young people, there was the church that brought the community together. At one time school activities would be modified to accomodate a revival. Today, I check the school calender to make sure nothing will interfere with a school activity. In the past, the church was the only game in town and it did not have to go because it was the cultural norm to come and see. Now I am not saying that all the churches from times past did not engage their respective communities, but I do believe the “come and see” mentality was more acceptable to the culture at large. Now the older generation doesn’t understand why their kids and grandkids don’t attend. It is because there are other activities competing for their attention.
The culture has changed and looks more like it was during NT times. Other things compete for the attention of the world. It was not the cultural norm to go to a Christian worship service. Like the early church church we must go to where the people are, be real to our faith, and share the love of Christ in word and deed.
If there are any typos, I apologize. I am on my iPhone and have limited capabilities with this format.
Robin,
That’s great, I agree completely with the “come and see” mentality. I believe most pastors today are fighting this mentality or sadly have come to adopt it as their mode of operation. Hence the 1,000′s of SBC churches that haven’t baptized anyone in years.
I know that it is such a difficult mindset to overcome. Does anyone have any suggestions for overcoming the “come and see” mentality?
Mike,
I would say to teach the existing folks the Gospel and then they will have a reason to go and tell.
Most of the sermons these days are really Law in sheeps clothing. The Gospel will ignite the desire to tell about the hope that is within!
Blessings,
Chris
Well fed and taken care of sheep will multiply.
David