If Jesus were to give a "State of the North America Church" address to the Father and the hosts of heaven, what would be his positive bullet points? How about the negative?
I know there are people on here who don't live in North America, but no worries. You can respond too!
TK
"State of the Church" Address
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RICHinCHRIST
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Re: "State of the Church" Address
The church of North America is so multi-faceted that it's hard to pinpoint exactly what's wrong and right with the church as a whole. There are large groups of Christians who I'm sure would fit in either the positive or negative categories (sometimes for the opposite reasons!)... and I'm sure there would be Christians who fall into both categories for different reasons. Also, it wouldn't be surprising if many professing Christians in America are not truly part of the kingdom of God (this would then tend to make the negative list very long). I can only describe what I know or have seen in American Christian circles... and I've only been following Jesus for 5 years so my experience is very limited. I don't know what the church is like in Canada or Mexico. But I'll take a shot at it anyway...
POSITIVE ASPECTS OF THE AMERICAN CHURCH
- A strong dedication to world missions. There are many American missionaries... I heard that the U.S. has sent out more missionaries than any other nation, but that South Korea is fast approaching as the next greatest missionary-sending nation (no source.. sorry). I wouldn't be surprised if most money in support of national missionaries (for example, Indian missionaries to India, or African missionaries to Africa) also come from American Christians. This is one benefit of the economic success of America.
- Making the word of God accessible. American Christians have strongly influenced their culture in bringing the word of God to their region. There are tons of Christian radio stations and TV ministries that get the message out. Churches are in every town (almost), if not multiple ones in each town. Bibles are easily accessed and sold to anyone who desires one. Many places of the world have no Bibles, and no avenues for hearing the message of the kingdom. I heard David Wilkerson say something quite insightful: "The average American Christian has heard enough of the gospel to save all of China!"
- A reverence for the Word of God. Before the 1960s, the Bible had incredible influence upon American society, even for non-Christians. Today, 50 years later, it seems that influence is decreasing, but in Christian circles there still remains a strong emphasis upon the teaching of God's Word. There are many, I'm sure, whole hearted servants of God who are first living by the word of God, and thereby teaching it faithfully. Only God knows if this is the case for the majority of professing Christians in America, but I tend to think that there are many congregations where whole-hearted discipleship is the norm.
- Concern for the poor. Especially seen in more emergent-esque circles, there is a strong concern for the poor, not only in our country, but for third-world countries as well. This is also due to the economic success of America.
I'm sure there are other positive aspects of the Church here in America, but I can't think of any right now.
NEGATIVE ASPECTS OF THE AMERICAN CHURCH
- The Word of Faith Movement, but especially the emphasis on health, wealth, and prosperity doctrine. I heard KP Yohannan (the director of Gospel for Asia) mention that the number one obstacle for new Christians in Asia is this form of doctrine. Many Asians are hearing these teachings and it is drawing them away from the truth. This doctrine could clearly classify as the teaching of Balaam (2 Pet 2:15). The effect it has had on the American church is paramount, and is drawing away many souls into selfishness and greediness.
- Lack of Unity in the body of Christ. There are so many denominations and individual non-denominational churches that separate from the rest of the body because of disagreement over doctrine or church government practice. This bubbles over into a lack of love for fellow Christians, and is a terrible witness to the heathen world.
- Lukewarmness. Even though I mentioned the whole-hearted American disciples who have a reverence for the word of God, it's clear that many people consider themselves Christians who are not sincere and have not even met the initial requirements for discipleship.
- Distraction from living out the will of God. Many sincere Christians fall into this category. I think of this Scripture:
Many sincere believers are distracted by the things of the world, which are so prevalent in America. It is so easy to feel one has completed his or her duty to God because they go to church on Sunday, or they read their Bibles, or whatever. There are so many distractions in America. For example, pursuing careers with false motives, college and education pressure, getting sucked in by the media, television, and internet pornography, pursuing temporal pleasures, etc. I've fallen into this category myself, and it is a harsh bondage to get sucked into. Thankfully, by God's grace, He is showing me how to live life like it really is: A battle.
- Lack of trust in God. Whether in financial provision, or in the front lines of ministry, there seems to be a lack of faith in American Christian circles. We so often rely on our own methods and institutional programs and think that God will bless our efforts even though we don't do things God's way.
- Fake evangelism. There are so many false converts due to bad evangelism tactics. There is often too much of a focus on a man-centered gospel and not a God-centered one. Many people pray a sinner's prayer, or decide to become Christians for many wrong reasons, without fully knowing what it means to be a disciple.
POSITIVE ASPECTS OF THE AMERICAN CHURCH
- A strong dedication to world missions. There are many American missionaries... I heard that the U.S. has sent out more missionaries than any other nation, but that South Korea is fast approaching as the next greatest missionary-sending nation (no source.. sorry). I wouldn't be surprised if most money in support of national missionaries (for example, Indian missionaries to India, or African missionaries to Africa) also come from American Christians. This is one benefit of the economic success of America.
- Making the word of God accessible. American Christians have strongly influenced their culture in bringing the word of God to their region. There are tons of Christian radio stations and TV ministries that get the message out. Churches are in every town (almost), if not multiple ones in each town. Bibles are easily accessed and sold to anyone who desires one. Many places of the world have no Bibles, and no avenues for hearing the message of the kingdom. I heard David Wilkerson say something quite insightful: "The average American Christian has heard enough of the gospel to save all of China!"
- A reverence for the Word of God. Before the 1960s, the Bible had incredible influence upon American society, even for non-Christians. Today, 50 years later, it seems that influence is decreasing, but in Christian circles there still remains a strong emphasis upon the teaching of God's Word. There are many, I'm sure, whole hearted servants of God who are first living by the word of God, and thereby teaching it faithfully. Only God knows if this is the case for the majority of professing Christians in America, but I tend to think that there are many congregations where whole-hearted discipleship is the norm.
- Concern for the poor. Especially seen in more emergent-esque circles, there is a strong concern for the poor, not only in our country, but for third-world countries as well. This is also due to the economic success of America.
I'm sure there are other positive aspects of the Church here in America, but I can't think of any right now.
NEGATIVE ASPECTS OF THE AMERICAN CHURCH
- The Word of Faith Movement, but especially the emphasis on health, wealth, and prosperity doctrine. I heard KP Yohannan (the director of Gospel for Asia) mention that the number one obstacle for new Christians in Asia is this form of doctrine. Many Asians are hearing these teachings and it is drawing them away from the truth. This doctrine could clearly classify as the teaching of Balaam (2 Pet 2:15). The effect it has had on the American church is paramount, and is drawing away many souls into selfishness and greediness.
- Lack of Unity in the body of Christ. There are so many denominations and individual non-denominational churches that separate from the rest of the body because of disagreement over doctrine or church government practice. This bubbles over into a lack of love for fellow Christians, and is a terrible witness to the heathen world.
- Lukewarmness. Even though I mentioned the whole-hearted American disciples who have a reverence for the word of God, it's clear that many people consider themselves Christians who are not sincere and have not even met the initial requirements for discipleship.
- Distraction from living out the will of God. Many sincere Christians fall into this category. I think of this Scripture:
Many sincere believers are distracted by the things of the world, which are so prevalent in America. It is so easy to feel one has completed his or her duty to God because they go to church on Sunday, or they read their Bibles, or whatever. There are so many distractions in America. For example, pursuing careers with false motives, college and education pressure, getting sucked in by the media, television, and internet pornography, pursuing temporal pleasures, etc. I've fallen into this category myself, and it is a harsh bondage to get sucked into. Thankfully, by God's grace, He is showing me how to live life like it really is: A battle.
- Lack of trust in God. Whether in financial provision, or in the front lines of ministry, there seems to be a lack of faith in American Christian circles. We so often rely on our own methods and institutional programs and think that God will bless our efforts even though we don't do things God's way.
- Fake evangelism. There are so many false converts due to bad evangelism tactics. There is often too much of a focus on a man-centered gospel and not a God-centered one. Many people pray a sinner's prayer, or decide to become Christians for many wrong reasons, without fully knowing what it means to be a disciple.
Re: "State of the Church" Address
Nice Rich--
I agree with your bullets.
TK
I agree with your bullets.
TK
Re: "State of the Church" Address
Great job Rich!
Re: "State of the Church" Address
I agree. Great summary, Rich!
Re: "State of the Church" Address
Rich wrote. as a positive bullet point:
TK
I have some firsthand knowledge that a very popular and influential "movement" seems to downplay the importance of scripture. I posted another topic "Why does this quote bug me" that is subtle evidence of this sort of thing. It is not that they dont reverence the Bible or believe it-- there is simply no attempt made to actually teach it or expound it, except on a rather surfacy level.- A reverence for the Word of God. Before the 1960s, the Bible had incredible influence upon American society, even for non-Christians. Today, 50 years later, it seems that influence is decreasing, but in Christian circles there still remains a strong emphasis upon the teaching of God's Word. There are many, I'm sure, whole hearted servants of God who are first living by the word of God, and thereby teaching it faithfully. Only God knows if this is the case for the majority of professing Christians in America, but I tend to think that there are many congregations where whole-hearted discipleship is the norm.
TK
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Singalphile
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- Joined: Sun Apr 22, 2012 12:46 pm
Re: "State of the Church" Address
I just listened to this Preston Sprinkle podcast episode a couple days ago. It's about the modern, U.S. church. It's only about 35 minutes if you skip the first 5 minutes and the last 5 minutes, which are mostly intro/outro stuff.
The main discussion starts at 10:00 minutes.
Some of the very high-level points:
1. The Church needs less partisan politicking but more discussion of the role of politics vis-a-vis the Church/kingdom of God.
2. The modern church model is expensive, rigid, and incentivizes the wrong things.
3. Technological changes are being largely ignored. In the past, major technological/cultural changes changed the way the Church disciples. Now is no different, only more obviously necessary.
4. The role of the elders/shepherds needs to be reevaluated.
5. Sunday morning sermons no longer meet a demand or need, in general, and are not a good use of time/resources for the shepherd or the sheep.
6. "Regular attendance" does not mean what it used to mean. There is no longer cultural pressure to attend a modern church service.
7. Why does research show that the most spiritual/mature Christians are the ones who are more likely to all but leave the institutional church organizations?
8. The modern CEO/corporation church model might increase some numbers but it decreases personal connections, relationships, community.
The main discussion starts at 10:00 minutes.
Some of the very high-level points:
1. The Church needs less partisan politicking but more discussion of the role of politics vis-a-vis the Church/kingdom of God.
2. The modern church model is expensive, rigid, and incentivizes the wrong things.
3. Technological changes are being largely ignored. In the past, major technological/cultural changes changed the way the Church disciples. Now is no different, only more obviously necessary.
4. The role of the elders/shepherds needs to be reevaluated.
5. Sunday morning sermons no longer meet a demand or need, in general, and are not a good use of time/resources for the shepherd or the sheep.
6. "Regular attendance" does not mean what it used to mean. There is no longer cultural pressure to attend a modern church service.
7. Why does research show that the most spiritual/mature Christians are the ones who are more likely to all but leave the institutional church organizations?
8. The modern CEO/corporation church model might increase some numbers but it decreases personal connections, relationships, community.
... that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. John 5:23