Spiritual Climate of America
Written by Joe Oden Monday, 04 June 2012 13:15
Okay, I've got some GOOD NEWS and BAD NEWS. Which do you want first?
Okay; the good news...
-I am told that in the year 1900, 1 out of 40 people in the world were Christian.
-In the year 1980, 1 out of 17 claimed to be Christian.
-In the year 2010, 1 out of 8 people worldwide identified themselves as Christians.
This means the church of Jesus Christ is GROWING TREMENDOUSLY!! Hallelujah.
And now, the bad news...
-In my parents generation, around 66% of Americans attended church. (not just adherents, but active)
-In my 'Boomer' generation, around 35% of us attended church.
-In the 'Millennial" generation, around 4% of them currently attend church.
-Most people that come to Christ do so before their 16th birthday.
-Most of church budgets are spent on maintaining buildings and services that are often NOT reaching the youth, while seeing more than 60% of its '20-somethings' leave the church.
-The average church spends 3% of its budget on missions.
-A recent survey found that 97% of USA Christians they surveyed will NEVER share the plan of salvation with one unbeliever in their entire lifetime.
-Only 4% of Christians feels EQUIPPED to share their faith, and only 6% of pastors feel equipped.
What does this mean? It means that MOST of the church growth is happening in countries OUTSIDE the USA. It means the American population is rapidly becoming 'UNCHURCHED'. And it means the land I love so dearly MUST CHANGE OR WE WILL SPIRITUALLY DIE just like Europe has.
What's the solution? I am afraid it's not simple or easy. I'm afraid the love of materialism, success, entertainment and 'worldliness' has captured our heart more than we'd like or dare to admit.
I see one basic step the Bible insists on for recapturing God's attention... and God's blessing.
REPENTANCE.
The church (you and I) are more than a Sunday morning option. We are the power of God, the kingdom of God on earth, and the heart of God meant to be manifested on earth. We are the solution... IF we will live what we say we believe.
Here's a prayer that has worked for me and continues to work in me. I simply ask God...
"Please show me where I am grieving You or Your Holy Spirit."
That simple prayer from the heart will launch you into an exciting and sometimes scary journey into dying to self, so He can live through you the way He desires.
PLEASE... on behalf of our children's future, let's pray it again today... and mean it... so our children can hear some more GOOD NEWS.
Intentional for souls,
Joe Oden