Trouble On Our Watch

Whatever may lie ahead for the church, as society seems to be on fast-track transformation that have many "scratching their heads" wondering what and why things are happening, the call has quickly gone out, that now more than ever, the church has some challenges.

This is nothing new, except the expectation the church hasn't done a good job of portraying Christ to the world in the way the world thinks they know Him. That said, all we can do is do better job in our own lives of understanding who God is and what He is. The other thing we do is to not be so quick to opine who God can and can't use to accomplish His purpose.

I'd like to say, most churches probably don't have this problem, but in a time where society looks at the church and thinks there is a lot going that doesn't look like what the church should; then perhaps somewhere churches are missing the mark. Congregations don't know God as well as they should. Churches aren't as relevant in their community as God has called them to exist. And for communities that are in trouble; having a church in trouble is a double-whammy to those trying to hold-on to their faith; and to something bigger than themselves.

Now more than ever, we need our pastors. Pray Senior Pastors, that they would continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ and the Word in a greater dimension. Pray for an increased awareness of how to reach out to the specific needs of their communities in tangible and relevant ways. Finally, pray that as the Word of God is preached, that the power of the Holy Spirit would transform hearts and lives to be more like Christ, in order for the world to truly see Christ in us and not ourselves.

-PNC

---