I have been reviewing my blogs for 2010–close to 150 in almost 300 days. Along the way, I have done some recategorizing to make searches easier and more consistent.
My conclusion after rereading this year’s writings is that we live in a new world! The church faces challenges the magnitude of which it has never faced in recent history. The changing world has confused those who have not noticed the change. The church is not exempt. The adage most thought you could depend on is no longer accurate: “Doing the same old things will yield the same old results” is no longer true. In this new world, doing the same old things yields nothing.
The U.S. population is little inclined to religious change. Bible illiteracy is rampant–we know very little about the Bible. Worse, most don’t care since the objective truth of Scripture has become obsolete in a world of relative, individualized truth. The way the gospel spreads must be rethought in a new world. The good news is shared in different ways.
Religion is out, spirituality is in. Churches that operate in the capitalistic, resource-driven realm often fail; churches that operate in the hearts of humans with little concern for appearances often succeed.
In the area of missions, it seems increasingly apparent that mission work that depends on the perpetual flow of U.S. dollars may not be taking into account the economic realities of the new world. Mission work and leadership, church identity, church expectations, ministry, and most of our favorite subjects are not the same in this new world.
Has anyone noticed?