Contemporary American Evangelical churches are slipping fast. The fads, the lack of leadership, and the obvious neglect and abuse of the flock is appalling and seems to be increasing with a rapidity that outpaces the number of new seminary graduates each year. I have been pondering the cause of this apparent disaster-in-the-making for some time now.
This post on church structure is an outstanding analysis of current trends and of biblical teaching on church polity/heirarchy.
"The fads, the lack of leadership, and the obvious neglect and abuse of the flock is appalling." Richard, these things are very disturbing to me, and exist even within my own church. Sometimes I get so frustrated and unhappy that I just want to quit. Then, I have an image of Satan rubbing his hands gleefully, saying, "Yes! Get them agitated and working against one another!" So on I continue. I am frquently in prayer these days over my church, and of course the problem is widespread. Thanks for this column. Peggy in Virginia
ReplyDeletePeggy,
ReplyDeleteI believe we all need to pray for each other - brothers and sisters in our own congregations as well as those who are members of another congregation. I think you have correctly identified the source of the troubles: Satan.
I was listening to a biography of Charles Simeon as I drove into town today. I believe this quote from Charles Simeon may provide some encouragement to all of us. Charles Simeon endured incredible opposition and when asked how he had endured it, he responded:
"My dear brother, we must not mind a little suffering for Christ’s sake. When I am getting through a hedge, if my head and shoulders are safely through I can bear the pricking of my legs. Let us rejoice in the remembrance that our holy Head has surmounted all his suffering and triumphed over death. Let us follow Him patiently. We shall soon be partakers of His victory."
Romans 12:12 “Be patient in tribulation.”
Easier said than done - but it is a biblical imperative. Be of good faith, Peggy.