5 Things We Must Do for the Next Decade - Pt. 1

A couple of my favorite blogs prompted me to write the following Freshly Bru’d. Even though we live in challenging times morally, spiritually, and every other area of decline- God’s mission has not changed.

To help face the next ten years there are at least five things we must do in the church. Did you notice, I said ‘we?’ God’s mission isn’t just for the professional ministers. It’s for all of us. These five things must be at the forefront of every Christ follower.

First, a clear understanding of the Gospel. The gospel isn’t something you do, earn, or deserve; it’s what Jesus has done. People don’t need to be taught to turn over a new leaf- they need to receive the Savior and live out a new life. That new life comes from Jesus’ death on the cross for our sin and in our place and His being raised from the dead. That is the message that needs to be preached rather than some moralistic therapeutic deism- “being good” message. In too many places the message of “being good” makes you a better person and makes the “man upstairs” happy.

Second, a stronger focus on discipleship. God shapes congregations through the shaping of individual lives. But this doesn’t just happen by accident or as a by-product. God grows us when we are in a position to receive that growth. This can only happen through intentional awareness and leadership on the part of both leaders and church members.

The word disciple means ‘learner.’ This puts the action firmly in the lap of the one doing the learning. The point is that you, as a disciple, are to be actively learning. It is your responsibility to take up the mantle of spiritual self-development. Yes, a teacher is involved, but discipleship is not about a passive process of being fed. Growing in faith is something that can be served by others, but ultimately must be owned personally.

In many of our churches, too many followers of Christ view discipleship as something done to them and for them- akin to a personal enrichment program. (Take a moment here to read Hebrews 5:11-13.)

We must face the challenges of our culture as the church has had to do since Jesus established the church. The challenges are different with every generation. Therefore, as the church continues to navigate an increasingly post-Christian culture, we have to ask ourselves if we are willing to face some truths and change some behaviors, programs, or strategies to reach the world with the message of the gospel.

Watch for next week’s Freshly Bru’d where I will share the remaining three things we can do for the next decade.

Blessings,
Pastor Mark "TheBru" Brunott