Banes S. Lal
As local church assemblies continue to decrease, it's common to point fingers at societal or cultural changes as the cause. However, it's crucial that we also examine ourselves and engage in introspection. The root of the problem is often more complex than a single cause. Therefore, it's important to explore the significance of self-reflection in confronting the challenges posed by this inconvenient truth.
Blaming External Factors
To some extent, it is understandable to blame societal changes and cultural shifts for the decline in the growth of churches. Such changes can affect people's attitudes and behaviour towards the gospel message. However, solely attributing the decline to external causes like entertainment, music, sports, and other "worldly" activities ignores internal dynamics within the church that also matter. Growth requires addressing church decline and self-reflection, as well as recognizing and addressing these internal forces. Let's confront reality.
Suspicion of Higher Education
One such internal dynamic is the tendency among some Christians to look down on higher education. While education itself is not inherently harmful, there exists a subset of evangelical Christians who view higher education with suspicion or even disdain. This perspective may stem from concerns about secular influence within the church.
However, it's essential to recognize that higher education can be a valuable tool for deepening one's understanding of the world and strengthening one's faith. Engaging with diverse perspectives and critical thinking can enhance our spiritual growth and equip us to navigate complex issues with wisdom and discernment. As Proverbs 18:15 reminds us, "The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge."
What exactly is the fear here? Embracing higher education does not mean compromising one's faith, as some think. On the contrary, it can provide opportunities to integrate faith with learning and to develop a more robust and nuanced understanding of scripture.
Personal Conflicts and Superiority
We are all human and not immune to personality conflicts, so often, issues simmering beneath the surface can erupt into full-blown divisions. When individuals prioritize personal grievances over unity, it undermines the very essence of fellowship. When specific individuals adopt an attitude of superiority, it creates discord and drives others away. However, as believers, we're called to unity and humility, as Romans 12:16 reminds us: "Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits." Humility and reconciliation are essential for maintaining the harmony of the body of Christ. "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another." Romans 12:10.
Similarly, the presence of prejudice contradicts the gospel's inclusive message. Prejudice is significantly more frequent than Christians realize, even in evangelical congregations. Despite biblical principles that all believers are equal, racial prejudice can alienate marginalized populations and stifle congregational growth. This goes against the fundamental precepts of Christianity.
Prejudism contradicts the fundamental teachings of Christianity. Galatians 3:28 emphasizes, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus." However, when racial prejudice persists within congregations, it repels diverse worshippers and stifles growth. Brothers and, yes, sisters too, should embrace diversity, and actively combating prejudiced attitudes is a crucial step toward fostering a genuinely inclusive assembly. As followers of Christ, we are called to love our neighbours as ourselves and to embrace diversity and inclusivity within our congregation - John 13:34, "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another."
Hypocrisy Undermining Church Credibility
Hypocritical behaviour among believers erodes trust and undermines church credibility, damaging one's testimony. Matthew 23:27-28 condemns hypocrisy, stating, "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity." When individuals profess one thing but practice another, it breeds cynicism and disillusionment among the assembly. Remember, Numbers 32:23 says, "Be sure your sin will find you out." Transparency and accountability are vital for restoring faith and constantly building one another up.
Punching Down and Exclusivity
Punching down (to attack or criticize someone) on people who don't fit into another's narrative creates an environment of exclusivity and judgment, contrary to the inclusive love espoused in the Bible. Instead of uplifting and elevating all members, this practice fosters exclusivity and alienates those who may already feel marginalized. James 2:1-4 admonishes against showing favouritism, stating, "My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons... Are ye not then partial in yourselves and are become judges of evil thoughts?" When churches prioritize conformity over acceptance, they alienate those who do not conform to a particular narrative, further fracturing the congregation. As believers, we are called to love one another and to treat one another with kindness and respect, as stated in Romans 12:10: "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another."
Upholding Grace Over Legalism
In the tapestry of challenges facing churches, legalism often casts a shadow over congregational life, contributing to declining vitality and unity.
The Apostle Paul warned against the pitfalls of legalism in his letter to the Galatians, urging believers to stand firm in the freedom found in Christ. Galatians 5:1 declares, "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." Legalism entangles believers in a web of rules and regulations, stifling spiritual growth and hindering authentic relationships with God. Moreover, legalistic outlooks breed a culture of judgment and exclusion, alienating those who may not adhere to prescribed standards of behaviour or belief. Instead of extending grace and understanding, legalism erects barriers that prevent genuine fellowship and unity within the body of Christ.
In confronting legalism, churches must reaffirm the centrality of grace in the Christian faith. Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." Salvation is a gift of grace, not something earned through adherence to a set of rules or regulations.
Furthermore, churches must cultivate a culture of love, acceptance, and empathy, recognizing that every believer is on a unique spiritual journey. Romans 14:1 encourages us to "receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God." By embracing diversity and extending grace to one another, churches can overcome legalism and foster an environment where all are valued and embraced.
Formation of Cliques
Additionally, the formation of cliques within churches fosters exclusivity and undermines the Spirit of Unity scripture advocates. Instead of embracing all believers as equal members of the body of Christ, cliques create divisions and alienate those who don't fit in. Often, people might feel they only have a voice if they are part of the clique. As Romans 12:10 reminds us, "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another." Churches must actively work to dismantle cliques and foster a culture of inclusivity and genuine fellowship. Instead of building walls, we should be tearing them down, as Romans 12:10 urges us to love one another with brotherly affection and to show honour to each other.
Dealing with Church Scandals
When swept under the rug or dealt with openly, church scandals erode trust and damage the integrity of the entire assembly, as we have found out in recent times. Churches risk alienating members and disillusioning young believers by failing to confront wrongdoing, and hiding facts becomes food for gossip. Transparency and accountability are essential for rebuilding trust and fostering a culture of authenticity within congregations, which is also a sign of good leadership. Sweeping things under the rug and not openly dealing with issues further harm believers - young and old. Trying to save face can have a long-lasting negative impact.
Effective Communication of the Gospel
We all enjoy a good gospel message. However, the adverse effects of theatrics cannot be overstated, including yelling as a wild caricature or overdramatic as a television evangelist while preaching the gospel or ministering the Word of God without empathy and compassion. While the gospel's message is powerful, its delivery must be characterized by grace, humility, and understanding. Screaming from the pulpit may grab attention, but it fails to connect with people on a deeper level. As 1 Peter 3:8 advises, "Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous."
Deviation from Gospel Truths
Deviation from gospel truths dilutes the message and purpose of the church, leading to spiritual apathy and disillusionment among Christians. 2 Timothy 4:3-4 warns, "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." When churches prioritize secular trends or self-interest over biblical principles, they forfeit their spiritual authority and relevance. It's essential to remain rooted in sound doctrine, as warned in 2 Timothy 4:3-4, and to evaluate our practices against the timeless truths of scripture.
Providing Spiritual Nourishment
Moreover, individuals are left spiritually hungry when not provided with nourishing spiritual food during church meetings. Instead of leaving inspired and uplifted, they depart with a sour taste, feeling unfulfilled and disconnected.
As believers, we are called to feed the flock with sound doctrine and to minister to the spiritual needs of one another, as instructed in 1 Peter 5:2-3: "Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock."
Neglecting the Nurturing of Young Believers
Failure to nurture young believers hinders church growth and vibrancy. As the Apostle Paul urged Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:12, "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." Investing in the spiritual development and mentorship of young believers is crucial for ensuring the future vitality and sustainability of the assembly, and let's not forget it is also a reflection of one's parenting skills.
Moving Forward: Prioritizing Key Principles
In confronting these challenges, how do we move the needle forward? Do we simply pray and leave everything to the Lord? Or does one exercise faith to move one's feet forward while relying on the Lord?
Should we not prioritize humility, reconciliation, genuine love, transparency, accountability, inclusivity, and grace? By embracing these principles found in the Word of God and actively working to address the underlying issues, we can navigate the decline in church congregations and emerge more robust and united than ever before.
Let us commit ourselves to building vibrant, welcoming, and spiritually nourishing Christian assemblies where all are valued and embraced for the glory of God. Together, we can overcome these obstacles and revitalize assemblies for generations to come.
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