The Life Cycle of Churches

I got to thinking last night about how much churches have changed, as I was watching some older Christian rock concerts on YouTube. To think that there was a time when church was against music that sounded like some of the some of the most-talented and popular, secular rock groups, even though the message was based on Scripture and of sound doctrine.

Shortly thereafter, I came across a sermon by Pastor Willie George, speaking on the missing ministry of Jesus. He proceeded to explain Christ's interaction with children and what the kingdom of heaven will be like.

What stuck out to me, was how he shared how he preached at some of the largest churches in America some 20-30 years ago, yet today, not only are the dwindling in size; they are altogether empty.

Sadly, there are many reasons, more than we care to admit are probably quite valid. Pastor George's point, though...20-30 years is a generation; an unending commitment to the ministry of children. A church that struggles to grow, will eventually cycle out, as the congregations grow older and the kids and youth grow up and go out.

Yes, it's important for churches to minister to widows and orphans, young couples in marriage and "young" couples at heart, but a church that isn't growing in it's ministry to families, will be a church that eventually cycles out of existence... at least to some degree, if not entirely.

Pray this #communitySaturday, as the church engages community, it will seek to make greater impact on families and children. May they grow and develop in their relationships with God and each other as they "do life together". Pray their commitment to the community begins with a community to the family unit, building strong foundations of faith based on the Word of God rather than the word of who stands at the pulpit, or leads worship or a service. Pray God work the miraculous, as the world returns to placing their trust in Him, through individuals, through families, through the body of Christ reaching their communities.

For the glory of God and the cause of Jesus Christ. Strong churches, built by strong families who in return, build stronger communities.

-PNC

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