Wednesday, May 23, 2007
The Christian world’s center of gravity is clearly shifting to the Southern Hemisphere. As a result, those of us in the West would do well to recognize and learn from what the Lord is doing elsewhere in the world.
During the course of my ministry, I have been able to spend time with Christians in Mexico. I have found in my Mexican brothers and sisters a spiritual fervor and depth of faith that is inspirational. Although many of my fellow Christians to the south lack material riches, they are spiritually rich.
Without a doubt, we American Christians have a great deal to learn from Christians in the global South.
The decline of mainline Protestantism is another example of how the church is changing. In the 1960s, mainline churches (i.e., theologically moderate to liberal denominational bodies made up of Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Methodists, Lutherans, Congregationalists, and others) accounted for about 40 percent of all American Protestants. Today the number is closer to 12 percent.
All indications point to mainline Protestantism as a cultural dinosaur on the verge of extinction. Not surprisingly, many conservative/Bible-believing denominations are growing and thriving.
As a mainline Presbyterian pastor, I have experienced sadness, anger, and shame as I have observed church leaders and members within my denomination continue to subvert scriptural authority and disavow foundational doctrines of the faith. I have grown wary and weary of efforts to lift up peace and unity while downplaying biblical purity in the headlong rush to the altar of inclusiveness.
The words of a Chinese poet named Ai Qing well describe my mind-set toward much of mainline Protestantism and its leadership: “I’m tired of listening/To those prolix speeches pretending to be the truth."
While I am aware of sociological factors (e.g., low birth rates and the graying of many church members) that are contributing to the demise of mainline Protestantism, I also know that many parishioners are not being fed in mainline churches; people are going elsewhere for spiritual nourishment.
Moreover, I wonder if God is withholding His blessing from denominations such as my own that flirt with apostasy. Indeed, might our demise be the result of God’s judgment?
Personally and pastorally, I wrestle with whether to work for renewal and reformation or come out from among a denomination that seems bent on making a shipwreck of the faith.
As long as mainline Protestantism steers its present course, with spiritual pirates at the helm, I am pessimistic about its survival. I am, however, extremely optimistic about the body of Christ, and regularly remind myself of Jesus’ words that the gates of Hades will not overcome His church.
Humanly devised denominations and movements will come and go, but the body of Christ will endure.
