I have often seen Christians observe the trends of modern society and then hear them lament what the future of the church might possibly be. It is true that society has in many ways taken a decidedly downward swing. More and more immorality is becoming more and more socially acceptable and it seems fewer and fewer people are willing to stand up to the world and apart from the world. This is a fact that I cannot deny as I honestly evaluate the state of our society. However, is it not the case that this has always to some degree been the state of the world? And is it not the case that that is the very reason God distinguishes the world from His church throughout the Bible (Romans 12:1-2; 1 Peter 2:9)? Why is it that we would expect any less than worldly thinking from a worldly crowd? We should not seek to gauge the health of the church based on the health of society. Such reasoning would have always left the church in a state of decay.
In my work I am privileged to travel to and enjoy many different Christian events. From CYC to Polishing the Pulpit, from lectureships to youth days, from vacation Bible schools to summer youth series, and from gospel meetings to mission trips I personally see a great resurgence among our young people. I see them willingly sacrificing social standing to participate in spiritual events. I see them excited about the Bible, evangelism, and growing as Christians. Rarely do I hear youth leaders lament having to beg young people to volunteer for some service project or mission effort (though I often hear complaints that volunteering parents cannot be found!). And while many older Christians like to blame a number of the problems the church is facing on younger Christians I actually see them as the solution to many of the problems that older Christians have caused.
One very telling event happened to me just this past weekend that really inspired me. We had taken a group from Phillips Street to the Challenge Youth Conference in Gatlinburg where 9,000 young Christians had assembled for a weekend of worship and Bible teaching. During one of the breaks some of our young people approached me after hearing of some desperate needs in Haiti and asked if it would be possible for us to take a trip there or anywhere this summer to help. Notice I did not approach them and ask if anybody would be interested – they approached me wanting to help! These young people understand the blessing of pure and undefiled religion and the urgency of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20; James 1:27). That is a fire I hope will remained stoked throughout life because if it does, brethren, the future of the church is extremely bright!
Amen! The future is promising.