World population grows at a fairly rapid pace. Christianity, as represented in all its expressions, is showing some global increase. But so are other faiths, particularly Islam and syncretistic beliefs. What the Muslims could not do in France and England through armed conquest, they are now doing through immigration. Ideas from Eastern religions flow freely into America at every level. Not only are demographics changing, so is the belief system. Espousal of Christian faith hardly means one holds an exclusively Christian view. Syncretism possesses a greater problem than Western man has ever known.

In the U.S. those religious bodies which showed strong growth a few years ago have experienced a slowdown. Now independent, community churches claim the day. While they make some fresh conversions they attact an even larger number of people from the older churches. Some of those being attracted come from Churches of Christ.

Difficult Times

By and large, the church faces difficult times. Churches of all brands in Western Europe have struggled for decades. Whether due to persecution in Laos and Sudan, the aftermath of civil war in places like Sierra Leone, government restrictions in China and the Middle East, fascination with total human freedom in the United States, or Satan's global assaults on righteousness, the road is difficult. Despite signs of spiritual interests among students in U.S. public schools and underground movements in countries traditionally hostile to Christianity, the cause of faith faces serious challenges.

Christians often talk as through the world is engulfed in a huge forest fire of wickedness. The fire is out of control and the world is hopelessly lost. They speak of the body being attacked by its own leaders. Would-be firefighters jeopardized the lives of the faithful firefighters by setting new blazes. The atmosphere being created spawns depression, ill feelings, an Elijah syndrome, apath, and despair. How uncharacteristic it is for believers to think that the Cause is lost and they are being consumed!

A Wake-up Call

Perhaps two things should be remembered in this wak-up call. One is that times change very little from century to century. The most informing message is that of Scripture. Whether in the Old or New Testament era, wickedness is often preferred to righteousness. And, when righteousness begins to cripple an unrighteous society, the unholy strikes back furiously. The neglected mess of Revelation needs to be read and re-read by Christians today. So does the book of Acts. Our task is to live in faith, proclaim that faith, endure, and give ourselves in service to God.

The second matter to hold in mind is that Satan's tactics call for destroying the church from within. History showers us with examples of how the church suffered from internal confusion, indifference, or secularization. If the evil world is deplorable, should not the worldy nature of the local body be equally despised?

What should be said about church growth? The faithful sow the seed. They provide watering. But it is God who gives the increase. The part that should concern us is whether we have individually accepted God's call to discipleship. Surely, the time has come to lament. But where is the lament service in the churches? Is it business as usual with a few variations now and then? And many feel relieved that no change has really taken place.

What would happen in congregations around the world if the fire that burned in Jeremiah's bones burned in each disciple's heart today? What would be the result if every church goer became less concerned about one's own comfort zone and more committed to the mission of Jesus?

Discipleship re-directs one's priorities. The saying, "I have a fortune because God wanted me to have it" becomes "I have been blessed of God so I can help others." I know numerous Christians who are unselfishly giving lots of money and time for spiritual causes. The list of important "things" in their lives has been re-ordered by their faith. Where Christ reigns, faith, prayer, and behavior reflect the glory of God.

What is needed is new vision. A deeper love. Boldness. Loyalty. Fearlessness. Commitment. Action. Selflessness. Holiness. Proclamation. Uninhibited worshi. Emotion. Peace. Submission. If I love God with all of my heart and my neighbor as myself, what more is there? Is this not the stuff that church growth is made of?