TAKE HEED LEST YE FALL
"for
they stumble because they are disobedient to the word and to this doom they were
also appointed." (I Peter 2:8f)
A
recent radio talk show entitled "Point of View" had a panel discussion
that centered around a newly-released book called "EXIT INTERVIEWS".
The book contains the results of an extensive study that tried to determine the
causes for the ongoing mass exodus from organized religion in North America and
Europe. The figures claim that some 52,000 souls per week are leaving religious
groups and the findings have relevance for members of the Lord's body as we
consider our goals for evangelism.
Popular
opinion is that "Baby Boomers" who dropped out of religious
institutions in the 1960's and 1970's have been returning in vast numbers. And
in many respects this is true, as experiences with the 4-D's (drugs, debt,
divorce, depression) have caused a lot of the 35 to 50 age group to begin
searching for a deeper meaning to life than the pursuit of pleasure and material
wealth. But most people in today's society approach religion with the same
consumer mentality they approach any other "product", seeking instant
gratification and demanding complete answers to all of life's questions.
Needless to say, they are not being satisfied in the denominational world. These
"Boomers" are hungry for God and they crave the ultimate truths as
contained in the Bible. They left organized religion because of disillusionment
and they want to return in hopes of finding the answers they could not find
elsewhere. But they are returning with suspicious attitudes and their
discontentment and dissatisfaction grows when they realize that today's
religious institutions have adapted more and more to society instead of
providing a safe haven and a comfort to those seeking asylum. As soon as a
crisis arises in the lives of these reconverted people, or as soon as their
local group experiences trouble of any kind, they head for the exit doors more
discouraged than ever. Denominations do an excellent job of marketing their
particular groups and they are attracting visitors and prospects in record
numbers. But the panel said they have become "social clubs with
steeples" and are unable to hold their membership due to two primary
failings:
1. A lack of congregational support in times of
crisis and need.
2. Virtually no encouragement or
discipline from church leaders when members' participation falters.
I
would suggest that there is a third and more crucial cause for the turmoil in
much of today's religious world. -- They do not teach the total Truth of the
Bible and they base their religions on manmade doctrines instead of following
the simple guidelines of the Bible in areas of organization, worship and
conduct.
What
is the implication of all of this to us as Christians trying to remain true to
the pattern of the apostolic church? First of all, this study proves that we are
surrounded by souls longing to find the true God and His plan of salvation. We
must be grounded in our faith and then work to plant the seed at every available
opportunity. Secondly, those who respond must be nourished in the Word and see
in each of our lives a reflection of Jesus. Thirdly, we must continue to
steadfastly remain true to the scriptures and prove to these potential converts
that we are not just another denomination. They must see a relevance and a
connection between our worship and our lifestyles and we must never tire of
being there for one another in times of need. Fourthly, when one of our number
wanes in the faith, we must retain the courage to counsel and discipline as
necessary. Finally, we should praise God every day that we belong to a body such
as the one in Middleburg and never become complacent in our attitude towards
Christ's church or one another. While we do not affiliate ourselves with the
denominational world, there are valuable lessons to be learned from their
failings. As Paul warned the Corinthians, "Therefore, let him who thinks he
stands take heed lest he fall." (I Corinthians 10:12)
Richard Bartholomew