Out of Commission!
Scripture Reading — Matthew 28:16-20
“Make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
Matt. 28:19
Many churches in North America are in decline. They’re either scrambling for solutions to their dwindling numbers, or they’re getting ready to close their doors. There’s a growing ignorance of what the Bible teaches and a growing assumption that Christianity is just one of many ways to God. Not surprisingly, there’s a declining interest in making converts.
Just when our world faces its greatest challenges, our churches seem “out of commission.” Yet Jesus spelled out what we are to be doing till the end of time. We’re to be going out, making disciples, baptizing seekers, teaching what he taught us, and completely relying on his powerful presence. He promised that his church will crash every gate that hell throws up against it.
How can we turn our churches around? We can insist, for Jesus’ sake, that our churches aim at neighborhood needs, not just membership wants. We can insist that our pastors equip us to be effective ministers and disciple makers. We can enfold ourselves into a smaller “household” group that gathers often to pray, meet needs, engage our spiritual gifts, partner in service, and show hospitality to strangers. We can find ample time to grow meaningful relationships with nonbelievers.
In other words, let’s get back to the Master’s plan and stick to it.
How did we drift from your plan, dear Jesus? Help us to be willing to gather with others and humbly wait on our knees till we want nothing more than your Great Commission. Amen.
About the author — Norm Prenger
Rev. Norm Prenger is a graduate of Calvin Theological Seminary. He pastored churches in Alberta and British Columbia before he was disabled by a heart attack and a post-operative stroke. He now lives with his wife, Gwen, near Thunder Bay, Ontario. He enjoys fishing, writing, drumming, and encouraging his fishing partners and neighbors to follow Jesus.
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