The Church of "What's Happening Now"

In a recent conversation I was speaking with someone about the statistic that only 4% of my children's generation are connected to a Christian church or community of faith.  When I mentioned that we can see evidence of this in our own church, that there just weren't many people in their 20's or even 30's and 40's, she replied with, 

"yeah...that's cause they're all going to the 

church of what's happening now."

Do we look upon that as a good thing?  ...a bad thing?  ...something we should criticize?  ...or maybe, something we should learn from?

These are challenging times in the church.  Seismic shifts seem to be happening culturally, economically, educationally, spiritually... the list can be long!  Many churches are feeling the impact of these shifts and trying to make sense of them.  

Jesus started the "Church of What's Happening Now"

God meets people at their point of need, demonstrating how He is working on their behalf, and how able He is to provide.  Christ Jesus humbled himself, coming into the world to meet people at their point of need SO THAT they could come to know Him for all eternity.  

Even those expecting Him were sometimes confused:
When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples to ask him, "Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?"  Jesus replied, "Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me."  MATTHEW 11:2-6

Mission, Jesus style calls us to meet people at their point of need in ways that will make HIM known.  He calls His followers to care for all people at their point of need, even those who have done wrong to us:

  "If your enemy is hungry, feed him;

    if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.

PROVERBS 25:21

Today, let's BE the 

"Church of What's Happening Now"...

I challenge you to look around as you go about your day.  Take notice of the needs around you.  Who may need you to pour out God's love in a tangible way, meeting them at a point of need?  

Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect...  1 PETER 4:13-15