WHERE WILL THIS CONGREGATION
BE TEN YEARS FROM NOW?
When I ask this question, obviously I am not talking about where the church is going to meet for services. It may or may not be in the same physical location or building. What we have in mind in this study is spiritual status. If this world is still standing, what will a sound, faithful church be like a decade from now?
Every congregation goes through changes. Take a photo of all the people in attendance at service this coming Sunday and I can guarantee you that ten years from now when someone pulls out that old photograph, there will most assuredly be some who are no longer around, some who are newcomers; and, oh how the children have grown. We are not suggesting that all changes are bad, nor are we proposing that every change is a good one. But, you can mark it down: in any given ten-year period of time, any local church will go through some noticeable changes. There is no way to avoid it.
If the church you attend is still around a decade from now (and we all certainly pray it will be), will it be strong spiritually, or weak and wavering? Will it be a vibrant, active group of Christians, or will it be a somber bunch of folks that mope into services and quietly leave with no spirit and no vigor to do anything for the Master until the next public service rolls around? Will the church be growing, or will it be withering on the vine? None of us is a prophet of God. None has a crystal ball that can reveal the future to us. However, there are some matters that will surely play a big part in determining what the local church of which you are a member will be like ten years down the road. Let us take a brief look.
Leadership — At some point in any worthwhile discussion of a congregation’s future, its leadership has to be addressed. Which direction is the current leadership taking the local church? What plan does the present leadership have for developing/preparing leaders for the future? Like money, leaders do not grow on trees! Who is preparing himself right now to be a shepherd where you’re a member? Will there be any brothers prepared to step up as deacons between now and then? Or, are they going to be too busy with other matters? What are our leaders doing to encourage and train Bible class teachers? Study the Book of Nehemiah and see how important leadership is among God’s people. Strong leadership is a must!
Bible Knowledge — I do not need to conduct a survey or get on the internet to learn what most mature members of the church have already observed. In general, the church is slipping when it comes to Bible knowledge. In days gone by, God’s people slipped right into captivity because they did not know the Book (Hosea 4:6)! The church needs to maintain Bible classes that are real Bible classes and not a time to “share our personal experiences” or play games. Let us rekindle the fire for growing in the knowledge and grace of the Christ (2 Peter 3:18). Do that, and the future of the church can be great! Become ignorant of God’s word, though, and stagnation and spiritual corruption are sure to follow.
Commitment to Sound Doctrine — The pastors must see to it that the flock is fed properly (1 Peter 5:1-3). The preacher(s) must preach the word of God (2 Timothy 4:2). But, and this is just as important, the membership must be committed to sound doctrine too! There can be no compromise of truth in order to keep folks happy. Truth saves (John 8:32), while false teaching takes people away from what is right (Titus 1:14). And, wimpy lessons produce wimpy saints whose wimpy faith cannot deal with the fiery darts of Satan (Ephesians 6:16).
Commitment to Young People — Let us be clear, a young person is of no more value than one who is “on up in years.” Youth do not deserve preferential treatment. That being said, if the church expects those kids that are now 9-19 years of age to still be a big part of the congregation ten years from now, then we had better be committed to working with them. Bible class teachers and youth ministers (we call them “parents”), we better give our young people our ears, our hearts, and our love. We must put in the time to do our best to ground them in the Book. It takes time, yes, lots and lots of time. If we do not make a special effort with our kids, then you can write it down: they will not be at church a decade from now.
Evangelistic Zeal — Those churches whose single attempt to teach the Gospel in a year’s time is to hang out a sign the week of a Gospel meeting — if that is their only effort to reach out to the lost, those churches will die — guaranteed. The church needs to train seed-sowers (Luke 8:5; Luke 8:11)! We need to prepare our troops to open their mouths to teach the way of the Lord (Acts 8:35) and to be ready to give an answer (1 Peter 3:15). Converts come about only when teaching takes place. Faith comes by what? By hearing (Romans 10:17). We must get ready to teach so people can hear!
Where will the church you attend be ten years from now? Only the Lord knows for sure. The matters we have noted are big-time factors. Consider them carefully.