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TechnoratiAs we have seen thus far in our review of Michael Spencer’s provocative article The Coming Evangelical Collapse, evangelicalism in America has suffered from growing theological ignorance, cultural accommodation, and ecclesiastical confusion.
While the culture wars continue-unabated by a frail church-they do so in the face of an increasingly secular culture, indicating that time and attrition are currently on the side of those who press humanistic schemes and atheistic worldviews. Politics are proving futile in holding even the most traditional moral boundaries; freedom of conscience is increasingly denied to those who oppose these changes, and our entire economic system is in flux, moving away from the free market and toward greater government control.
These conditions have left many Christians afraid, confused, uncertain, or simply withdrawn and awaiting rapturous evacuation. However, there is never a time for complacency or apathy in God’s victorious kingdom! Christians understand (or at least they should) that God is absolutely sovereign in the affairs of this world and that he causes all things to work together for good to those who love him (see Romans 8:28). We also know that God’s kingdom will come forth and no one or no thing in heaven or on earth can stay his hand (see Daniel 4:35). His perfect will shall be done. And, as a pastor friend of mine recently said in response to these darkening days, “The light shines brightest when it is the darkest.” Perhaps this is just what the church in America needs.
So, what must the church do in the face of its withered condition and these changing times? Michael Spencer acknowledges, “A small band will work hard to rescue the movement from its demise through theological renewal.” He further declares that this “small band” of reformation-minded Christians “is an attractive, innovative, and tireless community with outstanding media, publishing, and leadership development” but doesn’t believe they will ultimately succeed in their reformation efforts, although he concedes that their efforts “may result in benefits for many churches and the beginnings of new churches.”
I can attest to the fact that there are indeed a small (but growing) number of ministries and people concerned about the state of the church that are working for renewal. As one who has been committed to the cause of reformation and renewal since the inception of this ministry, I count myself among them and I am more encouraged than ever as I encounter people who share the same God-given burden. I don’t know whether or not we will succeed, either, but I do know that to try is the faithful thing to do. Such times call for boldness and honest self-examination and the results of our efforts are entirely in the hands of him who causes all things to work together.
If reformation is called for and given the multitude of issues plaguing the American church, where must this reformation begin? What must we do to remedy the situation within the church, the culture, or the nation to the glory of God?
First, we must establish the correct priorities and I would submit that our first priority cannot be the rescue of the nation or the culture but instead the church of Jesus Christ, because this is the only instrument of redemption available for the either of the former. This is not to suggest that we abandon those activities aimed at redeeming society and culture. However, those activities will never succeed without a renewed and faithful church that properly and fully engages the mission of Christ. As an example, William Wilberforce’s eighteenth-century struggle to abolish slavery would not have succeeded without the spiritual movements led by Wesley, Whitefield, Newton, and the like. Continue »
rj78 »
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