http://www.solidrockchurch.org/
Posted on 03/16/2009 11:10:52 AM PDT by truthandlife
Back in 2007, the New York Times famously proclaimed that the evangelical movement in America was cracking up. Since then, the media has relished exposing what they see as fault lines in evangelicalism over such issues as abortion, marriage, and the environment.
The pundits seized upon President Obama’s decisive electoral victory last fall to opine that evangelicals were no longer the political force they once were.
And just last week, a well-known evangelical blogger predicted the “collapse” of evangelicalism in America within the next decade, even though he also predicted that out of the ruins of evangelicalism, “new forms of Christian vitality and ministry will be born.”
But the American Religious Identification Survey of 2008 gives me reason to think that the predictions of evangelicalism’s demise are greatly exaggerated. In fact, quite the opposite may be true.
Although the survey, published by Trinity College, boldly proclaims that Americans are “slowly becoming less Christian,” it also points out that 34 percent of all American adults now identify themselves as “Born-Again or Evangelical Christians.” That’s no decline from previous years.
While the report shows that mainline denominations like the Methodists, Lutherans, and Presbyterians have experienced “sharp numerical declines” over the past decade, the number of evangelicals within Christendom is increasing. Some 45 percent of all Christians now identify themselves as evangelicals or born again.
“What is significant,” the survey says, “is the recent spread of Evangelicalism well beyond Christians affiliated with those groups that are members of the [National Association of Evangelicals], so that millions of Mainliners and Catholics now identify with this trend.”
So what does all this mean? It means that the single largest voting block in America remains evangelicals. No other single group comes close. It also means that America still is, by and large, a conservative nation. This is why, for example, we ought not to be surprised (even though the media is flabbergasted) that voters across the country time and time again uphold traditional marriage.
Yes, the evangelical movement is growing, which is good, but numbers don’t mean everything. For example, a new Barna survey shows that only 19 percent of evangelicals hold a consistently biblical worldview. What this tells me is that we’re growing in numbers, but we’ve got to do a better job making disciples.
And here’s where some see a coming collapse, but I see an enormous opportunity—an opportunity to re-catechize believers, to re-introduce them to the glories of Christian truths, to train them to defend and live out their faith winsomely, reaching out to the needy and hurting as Christians have done for two millennia.
I can’t help but think of William Wilberforce, the English parliamentarian who led a small band of believers to eradicate the British slave trade. These men and women, inspired by God, shared their resources, talents, and faith, and not only put an end to a great evil, but they also formed the heart of a movement that quite literally sparked revival and transformed the culture of Britain. It began with a handful of the faithful.
Just think what God might do with 34 percent of the American population calling themselves evangelicals—if those evangelicals re-capture their first love, present a winsome witness, and do the good works God has prepared for us to do.
Evangelicalism is waning.
Non-denominational, feel good, coffee jeans and Jesus churches are waxing.
but I see you adding to the problem ...
Matt.7:13-14
[13] Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
[14] Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Fewer and fewer “Evangelicals” are finding it. They hace substituted Humanism for Christianity.
Don't label me an “Evangelical”.
The latest definition is not a fit here ... . Like many other labels this definition is evolving ... .
but I see you adding to the problem ...
Matt.7:13-14
[13] Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
[14] Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Fewer and fewer “Evangelicals” are finding it. They have substituted Humanism for Christianity.
Don't label me an “Evangelical”.
The latest definition is not a fit here ... . Like many other labels this definition is evolving ... . All this is in prophecy ... . Those that know their Bible ... won't be calling themselves "Evangelicals".
Speaking of prophecy ... this is where we are really at:
2Tim.4:3
[3] 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;
People are spiritually lazy, don't care, are politically correct whereas God isn't politically correct hence they have problems with that and chose not to follow Him.
I can't begin to tell you how many "Evangelicals" voted for the Obomination, Obama. It's not surprising since Bible based Christians KNOW this must happen before He returns to collect His own.
2Thes.2:3
[3] Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
Many and especially, "Evangelicals" are doing just that - :falling away" from "sound doctrine". People will be livid that I dare to post truth. Truth is not popular or accelpable to far too many "Evangelicals".
I think Jesus wore Levis. Seriously, I understand your concern about “seeker” churches, but there’s some great biblical teaching going on in some of those more relaxed congregations.
Colonel, USAFR
I’m actually more concerned with the Air Force’s overt pressure to keep senior officers (uh - that’d include me) from mentioning matters of faith, because we’re supposedly forcing our faith on people because of our positions. Bullsh*t.
Colonel, USAFR
Jesus dressed in the proper garb of the time.
As for “seeker friendly” - LOL!
Since when are manners to be excused.
Why shouldn’t they hear it out and then leave instead of looking for special rights to leave and disrupt others? That is all that this “seeker” business is about. An excuse to be rude.
Jeans + Coffee = non-biblical is waaaaaay off the mark.
Many churches are now regional and people come from substantial distances to attend and the casual dress is a big help as they don’t have to go home to change.
My church is relaxed, formal, spiritual, Biblical, and has people of all races and backgrounds.... and is one of the most Spirit led churches I can imagine, transforming the lives of people like myself who were once bitter, depraved and lost.
Many people assume that if a church doesn't have an organ and a Pastor wearing a suit and tie that they don't love and follow Jesus Christ.
Pastor Mark Driscoll, from Mars Hill Church, in Seattle is a perfect example of a contemporary non-traditional church that is on fire for Jesus Christ and his transformational message.
btt
Just how long they last is hard to say. Thirty years, a generation or so, may be the right answer.
Of course, there is so much flux in religious affairs, that signs of a new "awakening" may be present even as an earlier one fades away.
I grew up Southern Baptist but now attend an interdenomitional church in a Dallas suburb. We usually attend the Saturday night services where jeans are a norm. Definitely not a feel-good church. In our Life Group class, we are reading and discussing every book of the Bible this year, except the book of Numbers. Very evangelical, but not the kind of evangelical that our grandparents knew.
Lots of material wealth but spiritually poor.
One strange thing about our church is that it is located in a city that is almost 80% white, yet our membership is about 40% minority.
They ought to worry about Muslims throwing homosexuals off roofs according to their code rather that phony Christian schisms.
God draws his people to and from certain types of worship, and just because many of the TV evangelism isn’t on as often as it once was.... due to financial donations being less than before doesn’t mean those people aren’t just as committed to Christ.
Now, churches are apostate and losing members because they aren’t teaching the truth, and until the truth comes back I wouldn’t look for a lot of attendance.
Revival is coming to the Body of Christ and souls will be saved, and you can expect it to pop up where truth and the Holy Spirit are welcome.
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