The past two weeks I've given time to discuss the recent Newsweek article on the "Fall and Decline of Christian America." http://www.newsweek.com/id/192583 It understandably brings up questions, emotions, and concerns about the state of the church in contemporary society. However, I do not think the stats in this article should necessarily shock anyone who has lived and served in the mainline church these past thirty years. Countless articles have pointed out this fact about the decline in membership over the past two generations.
But is decline in membership the same thing as decline in relevance?
Better question, is the decline in relevance making the gospel irrelevant?
I'm convinced that the gospel is just as applicable today as it has been since the first disciples were changed by the message of grace, love, and understanding. Forgiveness and love are universal and necessary for all people, in all places, and in all times. It is our failure to let these principles guide the church that has led to the current role of the "church" in contemporary society.
We have allowed foundational security, political maneuvering, and fractionalization of the body to weigh over justice, mercy, service, love, and forgiveness as we approach the mission of the church.
The church does not exist to sustain itself. In fact, we are called to love and serve with such reckless abandon that we would risk the very structure and foundation that sends us out into the world. The "church" is not the Church. What I mean is that the denomination and the local congregation are never an end unto themselves. The exist to serve the Body of Christ, the universal Church, wherever it is called to be.
Let us be motivated and strengthened by the same Christ who calls us to a changed life, guided by love, mercy, and hope.
