One of the changes in the 21st century is that many people, especially (but not only) young adults, have a different kind of spiritual yearning. They don’t just want to learn about God; they want to experience God’s power; they don’t just want friendliness (though that is essential); they are hungry for a deeper intimacy with others. Thus thriving churches have moved toward a more experiential worship and more use of small groups, where people can achieve intimacy and support from one another.

We concluded our series by looking at the inner workings of the church. In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul writes
If the church has a “product,” it is not just programs (worship, classes, events); it is people: men and women who have moved from being merely believers into being fully committed and equipped disciples - people who share and embody Christ’s transforming love in the world. Within the walls of the church we seek to help Christ change people so that, outside the walls of the church, those people can change other people, thus changing the world.

These, in a nutshell, are some of the learnings that thriving churches have made in the 21st century. Some of them are a challenge to long-established churches. How are we doing? One of the hard truths is that “church insiders” are not always able to determine this. That’s why we have invited a consultant. Please pray that Jeff Patton will help us see a true picture of where we are, and what we need to do to fulfill Christ’s call.

                              

Church School Classes.