I was driving today thinking about my next Sunday morning message. My mind began to think about all the things going on in the church and what it is going to take to reverse the trend of people leaving the church because of one reason or another. It got me thinking about what happens when my home computer gets so polluted with stuff it slows down and the only way to clear it up is to hit ctrl-alt-del and restart. I sometimes have to reset my phone, in fact the only way to fix some electronics is to reset them. I think there are some other areas that we need to "reset". I know there are times in my life I would like to hit ctrl-alt-del and reset some things in my life but I can't. But when it comes to some other things it is possible to "reset". I think our government is one thing that needs to be "reset". We need to get a handle on spending and debt. That could be said for us in our lives as well when it comes to debt and spending. I know I have to quit making the credit card companies rich...lol.
One important thing that needs to be reset is our concept of church. The church that our parents went to does not have relevance to today's younger generation. We have a generation who believes in God and that Jesus died for us so that we can live but they have no use for the church. The church has failed to change with the generations and in this world if someone does not relate with something they simply get rid of it or leave it out of their lives. I love the Methodist church and our denomination but as time continues we are a dying denomination because we are failing to step out of the box and the way we do things and in 10-20 years we will be dead. Some of our churches in the denomination are recognizing the need for change but some are not. I believe those will be the churches that will not be here in 10-20 years. It is not just a Methodist thing either...it is in most major denominations.
We need to "reset" the way we see the church and not let this younger generation miss out on the saving grace Jesus has to offer by being active in worship. I ask my colleagues to take a hard look at your church and see if there is an opportunity to stretch yourself and your churches to accommodate the younger generation. I pastor a congregation of 33-35 in worship on a Sunday and I do not know how I am going to accomplish this with the limited resources I have but I want to see my congregation thrive and make disciples but it is an uphill battle. I have to be able to reach my 20-30 year olds as well as continue to minister to my over 60's. My wife and I are one of the few in our 40's in my church.
God hit the reset button several times throughout history. He hit "reset" with Noah. He hit "reset" with Jesus dying on the cross and turning ministry over to us. We need to "reset" and make Jesus relevant to a generation that needs Him desperately.
Just a thought!!!! "RESET"
Until the Whole World Hears!!!!
Steve
