I recently got back from a conference that included about 200 church planters, spouses, and key leaders with in our nation-wide network of churches known as CONVERGE USA. Our network is one of the two fastest growing and most stable church planting movements in the entire nation. There is must to celebrate and yet so much more that needs to be done.
One speaker at the conference shared a sobering stat.
"At least 3,700 churches will close their doors this year...in 2009."
With population growth, the influx in internationals coming to our country... we can not plant enough churches to effectively serve, minister and reach people for Christ at the rate of churches closing. We are loosing the battle in a country that is seen a "Christian". Wow... that is a real sobering thought.
The speaker spoke with passion and urgency that "someone here, in this room has got to do something."
The scriptures tell us that the "fields are ripe but the labors (workers, servants, risk-takers) are few".
I can't stomach that.
God's word said the world is ready, that light should be expanding and yet not enough people are jumping up make a make in eternity. Someone has got to do something.
I believe that that not just or two have to do something, but an entire faith community must rise up and do something.
A bold movement God, the Holy Spirit, for the sake of Jesus Christ needs to rise up and push back the darkness.
Instead of 3,700 churches closing this year.... 3,700 need to launched,relaunched, reignited.
As we begin this new series called "ALL IN" at Journey. I pray that an entire community of faith explodes with new passion, new sacrifice, new visions and dreams from the Holy Spirit. I pray that this community is the faith community, family called Journey. "SOMEONE HAS GOT TO SOMETHING."
Are ready to do something... then step forward. Don't waste another day. Another day, could see another church close and the darkness will over shadow the light.
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5 comments:
I don't disagree that Godly people must do something, yet I am not certain that more chuches are the answer. We have a long way to go before we fill up all the empty pew space.
What needs to be addressed is WHY these churches are closing their doors? Is it because there is an overabundance of churches? I think not.
For brevity's sake, I will say that the world is going to hell-in-a-handbasket and the religious community is more concerned about image and rules and regulations than they are about reaching the lost for Christ. I think if Jesus arrived in our time, most churches would not recognize him for who he is.
Bill B
I will say one thing people need to do.......READ THIS BLOG! GOOD STUFF!!!!!
Spread the word then Will.... I love a good open conversation.
I would think that the blog intros that you put in Sundays programs would draw people to the blog? I hope it does.
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