“Thousands are joining [people’s names omitted] every year in a flight away from traditional church services. They either seek out loud, flashy services with IMAX screens and pyrotechnic displays like the one in [town omitted], or they’re finding God in their own way, on their own time, and on their own terms. ‘They are doing this in their homes or at work or with sports teams because they, first of all, want to advance their relationship with God,’ said George Barna, founder of the religious studies organization called The Barna Group.”

Therein lies our dilemma – those we’re losing. And can they be blamed – in the “futility of their minds” (Ephesians 4:17) – for that which would entice them away from the Truth? There has to be a way to find balance, as so many who wrote in to Fred suggested they had found in their own churches. Discipleship and training for the committed. The message of salvation, the truth, and a genuine sense of love from the congregation for visitors and seekers. As our last two respondents put it:

“We are to be sensitive to people and their needs; we are to use wisdom (to be as wise as serpents and as harmless as doves) but we are never to water down the word of God. What type of converts do we get?

And…

I guess that is why we need to stay on our knees and ask God for wisdom. Sincerely.

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