Greater Things Are Yet To Come

I was reading a blog the other day from one of my favorite pastors where he was saying why he believes the best days are yet to come for the church. As we look around the country, many people think the opposite is true. Churches are closing down every day. About 1000 minister a week leave the ministry. More than 90% of people who begin in ministry do not retire from ministry. Giving has declined in light of this present recession, etc... Pastor Perry, however, states that he is seeing huge positive signs behind the façade of the obvious. Here is my take on a few of those signs:

• More and more people are stepping up to the plate and going “all in” for Jesus.
• Leaders are leading with conviction and passion. And they’re not asking committees for approval, they’re begging God for His permission.
• The Gospel has taken center stage to the eternal agendas of the past.
• People are responding to the unadulterated truth of the Gospel.
• The use of the internet and video exponentially increases the maximum redemptive potential of the church.
• The church is finally more interested in seeing birth given to new babies (new churches and new believers) than in trying to resurrect the dead.
• The effective churches are those who are not afraid to take risks and be different in order to reach the world with the life changing message of God’s grace.
• The church’s “return on investment” is measured in souls rather than in dollars.
• The church is reaching outside the walls of denominationalism and religious institutionalism to be a presence and make a difference in the community.
• People are inviting their friends to church because they know they won’t have to apologize for taking them to a “dog and pony” show that has little relevance in their lives.
• Religion is being rejected and relationship is being embraces. Relationship with God and relationship with others.
• Formality is not required! Come as you are. We accept you right where you are in life, regardless of what you wear to church.

You see, the emphasis of the church is returning to the emphasis of Jesus. He wasn’t into building denominational facts and figures or huge selfish agendas. Jesus simply conveyed the message that God has a plan for your life and you can know Him personally. That’s why I too believe that our best days are ahead. Greater things are yet to come!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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