on Church Attendance

We're living in interesting times. I'm sure no one doubts that assessment, information is transmitted much faster, people are living longer, life has become much more convenient (indoor plumbing, electricity, and the list could go on), but as we see life get in some ways easier we look around our churches Sunday mornings and notice a lot of empty pews. There is a lot going on with church attendance. The number of books being written is numerous, and it is an issue that is at the forefront in almost every area of the entire country. Here are a few things to consider:

1) A remnant is always promised.
The American church's success is never promised in the scriptures. The book of Revelation discusses a remnant that will remain, but the American church does not appear there. Should that make us anxious? I don't think so, because we serve a God who always keeps His promises, is always good, and who has been faithful time and time again.

We need to adapt a mind set, where we understand that Jesus is the only eternal reality in this world. Our church is often filled with great memories, does wonderful mission to the community and to the world, many times has vibrant, effective worship, but our church only serves as a means to point people to Jesus. The church even though it has been persecuted, attacked, and many have sought to destroy it has persevered! God is good!

2) Focus more on evangelism than social justice issues.
The church is not the government, and I'm really glad it is not! The government makes laws and changes that affect our society, and while it is important for churches to establish and adapt policies that help their parishioners understand and live into societal changes. The church has to be about more than just debates, squabbles, and people disagreeing on hot button societal issues. The church needs to get back to its lost enthusiasm of reaching the lost, feeding the hungry, and proclaiming the kingdom.

These issues need to be addressed, but they need to be addressed in a spirit of love and grace with the Bible as the final authority. Churches that are thriving are ones that have found a good balance of learning how to live into and discern social justice issues while never losing sight of the great commission. Jesus never told us to resolve all societal issues in the church, but He did tell us to go and make disciples.

3) A spirit of love and grace need to rule the day.
People primarily don't go to church to hear good preaching or fantastic music. While those help bringing people in, you can always hear great preaching Sunday morning on the TV, pop in a Chris Tomlin CD and hear some wonderful music, so they aren't the main factors. Churches that are filled with people who desire friendship are kind and loving are ones that have attracted and continue to grow. I firmly believe that church members are either agents for or against a spirit of love and grace in their community. So, the question I have is are you for or against that culture in your own church?