Word Count: 381 – Est Read Time: <2 Minutes
What’s Up
Everyone keeps saying the faith is dying. But the latest research? It may say otherwise. Perhaps religion isn’t dead. (See Ray Burge on Substack.)
So What
We’ve been fed a steady diet of doom and decline. But if you look closer, there’s a shift happening … and it points to a fresh opportunity for the church.
The Point Is
Programming Won’t Save Us
In his new book Why Religion Went Obsolete, Christian Smith says the church can’t program its way back to health. He’s right. More classes, slicker videos, and better bulletins won’t bring people back. We’re not in a marketing slump. We’re in a credibility crisis.
Theology Alone Isn’t the Answer
Smith also points out that “right theology” isn’t the answer – every segment of the faith has been suffering. Sure, getting your doctrine in order matters. But theology without mission is just paper. Don’t expect correct beliefs to solve cultural irrelevance. What we believe only matters when we live it.
The Nones Are Backtracking
On the other hand, Ryan Burge’s data shows the rise of the religiously unaffiliated is slowing, and even reversing in some generations. Gen X, Millennials, even Gen Z are showing hints of return. The sky isn’t falling. But that doesn’t mean we can sit on our hands either.
And … ?
Yes, Christianity in the West is in decline. But it hasn’t disappeared. The church is still here. And maybe – just maybe – we’re finally waking up to what we should have been doing all along. Living like missionaries. Not just preaching to the choir or polishing our theology, but actively sharing Christ with our neighbors in word, deed, character, and Spirit.
If the church is going to survive … scratch that, thrive in this culture … it won’t be because we launched another program. It’ll be because we lived like we were sent. Missionaries aren’t waiting for seekers to walk through their door. They go out and build trust, spark curiosity, and model a faith that makes a difference.
You want to grow your church? Then start acting like a missionary. In your neighborhood. In your city. In your everyday life.
Action!
A thriving church starts with a four-prong missionary strategy. Grab your copy of Four Key Strategies for Church Growth today
