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.