Theological Thursday (Part 2)
Welcome to our Second week of Theological Thursday. We are now half way through our three week series on Theology. Today we dive into a question that will help the local church where you attend or serve. I would love to hear feedback and thoughts on today’s post from each of you.
Here is this week’s Question:
What is the relevance of the church in a culture where church membership, church attendance, and the number of people identifying as born-again Christians is declining?
When I read this question and started forming my answer, I caught myself wondering over ministries and settings that I have served in here on the East Coast or Southeast of America. I know that some of the things that I will be talking about today though relate to all of you in your settings because these are trends, we are seeing in every State.
When I think about the relevance of the church in 2021 and 2022, I find myself saying, “the church is needed more than ever.” COVID, the word and phrase we do not like talking about, has only multiplied, or sped up what was already happening in our local churches.
People who have had their door half in and out of the church doors found themselves an excuse of why they no longer need to crack open the doors of their local church. I do not mean for that to sound harsh or abrupt, but it is a reality.
We are seeing churches now launch online formats of their services at a higher rate than any time in history of the church, because they are trying to engage and keep the church relevant during and post-covid. Hear me, I am an advocate and think we need to have our services online. Why? Because we are now seeing people hundreds to thousands of miles away watching us and engaging with us. The church needs to still be relevant within our culture and community.
Here are THREE ways for the church to stay or become relevant in our culture:
Technology
I believe for the local churches in America to stay relevant they must have a game plan to execute technology within their ministries. We want our churches to be multi-generational and not become a church that is growing old. We must not execute ideas or plans off of a whim, but strategically have a plan to execute technology in our churches.
Every church must have an updated website that is user friendly.
Execute a texting format that is not mass messaging, but where church members can be informed. (Average person checks their phone 110 times a day)
Have your church services online and make sure audio is high quality.
Use your social media accounts to reach people within your community
Community
Our local churches must be owning their community and be advocating for the needs within their town. I believe that we have a responsibility to provide and take care of our community. But how does a church stay relevant and reach their community.
Parent Nights out need to be a must. Once a quarter at the minimum and once a month at the maximum. Parents need date nights and also moments to connect with other believers. Churches can rent out a restaurant or even provide date night plans to help families in the community.
Adopt a School and love on the teachers.
Be a chaplain and character coaches at the school(s) in the community.
Go to people and not expect them to come your church.
The Removal from our church
I believe that Christianity in America has a problem, we have changed the emphasis of our Christian faith. I believe it did not happen on purpose, but that we have drifted away from Jesus and God’s Word. We need to stop and remove:
work base salvation- I need to do these things or God won’t save me or love me. I am having a bad day, does God still love me.
feeling base faith- If I don’t feel saved today, I must not be saved.
Prosperity Gospel
Individualistic faith or belief- My christian faith is my own and I form my own belief and standards. Even though they may not line up with the Bible, but they line up with current cultural norms.
Conclusion
The church was meant for all people to grow together and be fishers of men as they do life daily. We need each other more than ever. We need to help one another know Jesus, Grow in Jesus, and then go Serve for Jesus.
It is time for the church to be the church again.
