Every generation of Christians is only one generation away from virtual extinction - barring a time of renewal. While the practical reality of that is true, it must also be weighed against the loftier promise of Jesus himself who said, “I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18) That said, every new generation must have times of spiritual reawakening or else the perpetuation of the church is in jeopardy. All one needs to validate this is to look at what’s happening across North America in the broader church community. Doors of churches are closing daily, and pastors are leaving the ministry in unprecedented numbers. In America, three years ago the median church attendance was 137 people. Today, post-COVID, it is 60. In an article (10/18) by a respected Canadian church leader, this astute observation was made. “There are three great categories of renewal that must be cultivated by each generation of the church in order to perpetuate their usefulness. 1. Revival – a return to right relationship with God. 2. Reformation – a return to right doctrine. And, 3. Revitalization – a return to right engagement with the Great Commission.” As I read on, I was taken back at the observations of his denomination - one of our larger evangelical church groups. (Note: I have left out names and changed some words to protect the identity of the group.) He said: “In travelling the nation from coast to coast, with the leadership of our denomination, and in comprehensively engaging in my own region, where I serve in a leadership role, it appears to me that we need to keep our eye on the first two, but we’re in free fall on the third (a return to right engagement with the Great Commission). That is the lowest slat in the barrel. In basic triage, that is where the hemorrhage is.” He continued, “…When a church or denomination loses the “go” of the Great Commission, it is automatic that the preoccupation of the church is with Christians. The ethos of church community becomes all about me - my time, my genre of music, my worship style, my topics of teaching, my comfortable building. Meet the preference-driven church ....that, by their very nature, will eventually be overtaken by plateau and morph into the backwater of Christian history.” 82% of the churches under this leader’s charge were “either plateaued or declining.” In the growth cycle of churches, and individuals for that matter, there comes a critical period when revaluation, recalibration, and renewal must occur. (Psalm 26:2; II Cor. 13:5) Some re-inventing must happen. When that is not done a downward free fall inevitably begins that only increases in speed and intensity the longer it is disregarded. Thankfully, as A. W. Tozer noted… “Anything that God has ever done – He can do now. Anything that God has done anywhere else – He can do here. Anything that God has done for anyone else – He can do for you.” The great revival text of the Old Testament holds out this promise, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (II. Chron. 7:14) Revival happens when personal renewal goes viral. Be blessed my friend. Glen (Pitts) The Barnabas Group / Loads of Love II Corinthians 4:16; Psalm 51:10-12; Romans 12:1-2; Isaiah 40:31; 43:18-22
