Join a Church Youngin'
A recent study I read and podcast I listened to from Lifeway Research focuses on the growing exodus of young adults (18-34 yrs old) from the church as they find it more irrelevant in their lives.
The study focuses on the church and some of the ways it can improve on reaching this generation. For example, biblical community, authentic truth from Scripture and an understanding of how it applies in every day life, and making a difference in the world through serving and sharing with others. However, this article and broadcast got me thinking of the other side of the church's responsibility - the Christian's responsibility.
If you are a believer in Christ, you are obligated, not matter how nasty, how dorky, how traditional, how hokey, to join a local body of believers. This is Christianity 101. This is not an option or up for debate as to if you like the style or the colors or the programs. If there is a true church, flawed as it may be, in your community, you must join it and be a part of its life. If there is not one in your community, you should start one.
First, how do you expect the church to reach your generation, your peers, if you believe they are failing, and so in response you just don't associate or cut yourself off? You perpetuate the problem. If you are part of a body, you have a voice, you can be a part of helping the church see where it is failing to meet its biblical obligations. (What Scripture says about this)
Second, loving other Christians is a pretty strong litmus test to see if you yourself are truly regenerate and in the faith. (What Scripture says about this)
Third, to keep from fellowship in the commanded context of the local church is an indication of deep rooted pride. If you do not like the church or those in it, then you are asking Christ to bear patiently in love with you as you mess up, fail, ask for forgiveness, sin, bring reproach to His name, all the while your actions or inaction show that you are not willing to bear patiently with your brothers in Christ, to love them, and to forgive them. (What Scripture says about this)
Fourth, if you dislike the church enough to not be joined to it, you dislike the Bride of Christ, and it is His Church, not a para church ministry, not a small group, not a Christian band, that the gates of Hell will not prevail against - I think it would be in our best interest to be aligned with a local church. (What Scripture says about this)
Believers, it is time you stopped blaming the church and started becoming the church.
good resource: Donald Whitney - Why Join a Church?
The study focuses on the church and some of the ways it can improve on reaching this generation. For example, biblical community, authentic truth from Scripture and an understanding of how it applies in every day life, and making a difference in the world through serving and sharing with others. However, this article and broadcast got me thinking of the other side of the church's responsibility - the Christian's responsibility.
If you are a believer in Christ, you are obligated, not matter how nasty, how dorky, how traditional, how hokey, to join a local body of believers. This is Christianity 101. This is not an option or up for debate as to if you like the style or the colors or the programs. If there is a true church, flawed as it may be, in your community, you must join it and be a part of its life. If there is not one in your community, you should start one.
First, how do you expect the church to reach your generation, your peers, if you believe they are failing, and so in response you just don't associate or cut yourself off? You perpetuate the problem. If you are part of a body, you have a voice, you can be a part of helping the church see where it is failing to meet its biblical obligations. (What Scripture says about this)
Second, loving other Christians is a pretty strong litmus test to see if you yourself are truly regenerate and in the faith. (What Scripture says about this)
Third, to keep from fellowship in the commanded context of the local church is an indication of deep rooted pride. If you do not like the church or those in it, then you are asking Christ to bear patiently in love with you as you mess up, fail, ask for forgiveness, sin, bring reproach to His name, all the while your actions or inaction show that you are not willing to bear patiently with your brothers in Christ, to love them, and to forgive them. (What Scripture says about this)
Fourth, if you dislike the church enough to not be joined to it, you dislike the Bride of Christ, and it is His Church, not a para church ministry, not a small group, not a Christian band, that the gates of Hell will not prevail against - I think it would be in our best interest to be aligned with a local church. (What Scripture says about this)
Believers, it is time you stopped blaming the church and started becoming the church.
good resource: Donald Whitney - Why Join a Church?
