Recent studies by Barna Research and Pew Research indicate that many people who have left mainstream, evangelical and Catholic churches over the past 25 years are open to returning.
Approximately 40 million people have left churches in the past 25 years, a number greater than the total who joined during the last Great Awakening.
Not all churches are revitalized and ready to receive these returning children of God, but those that are Christ-centered and outward-focused provide a welcoming environment for them to thrive.
No Condemnation
We are living in a polarized American culture of condemnation — condemnation of those who don’t look, talk or believe the same as ourselves. This has added to the widespread loneliness and the lack of safe communities for people to thrive in — even in religious gatherings and churches.
The good news is that God wants the local church to be a safe place for His children — a place unlike what the world offers.
People need safe spiritual communities where they can thrive and learn about a loving God who deeply cares for them. The Bible gives us counsel on what a Christ-centered church looks like. Notice the theme here:
Rom. 8:1 — Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
John 3:17 — For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
Rom. 8:34 — Who is He who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.
Rom. 8:35, 38–39 — Who shall separate us from the love of God … neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
1 John 4:18 — There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear.
If nothing shall ever be able to remove God’s love from His children, then we should not remove our love from His children. 1 John 4:21 says,“This commandment we have from Him; he who loves God must love his brother [and sister] also.”
Condemnation, hatred and fear is the work of the evil one. God does not condemn. True, He does not approve of evil actions, behaviors and motivations, but He loves the person. God hates the self-centered selfishness that condemns and hurts others, but He loves the sinner.
Yes, He will hold people who commit evil accountable in this life — there are consequences for doing wrong. In the final judgment, if there's no response to God’s love and grace, He will let us go in love.
In love, He will correct us. In love, He sends His Holy Spirit to convict us. In love, He will empower us to change our selfish behavior and motivations — all while free from condemnation.
Morris Venden wrote in Faith That Works, “It is the peace with God that gives you the power for your life to be changed. Peace does not come from trying hard to get your life fixed to claim victory — victory comes from peace. It's the feeling that you are rejected that keeps you in your sins and failures. Loving acceptance paves the way for growth."
All Hands On Deck
The theme of this month’s Gleaner is women in pastoral ministry. The early and latter rain of the Holy Spirit is preparing people to return to church. We need all hands on deck to get ready for an in-gathering.
I’m grateful for the abundant evidence of faithful Adventist women working under the leadership of the Holy Spirit in pastoral ministry, offering not only their gifts of compassion, empathy and community building but also their profound spiritual and theological leadership.
These gifts are just what the church needs now, more than ever. These women in pastoral ministry need the support of their local church family. As we work together to create loving, accepting, Christ-centered communities, the Spirit will lead those searching for safe spiritual spaces to our doors. The time for acceptance and love for others is now.
The return of Christ is nearer than when we first believed. For those who are in Christ, there is no condemnation. This is exceptionally good news, offering hope and assurance to all who believe now and all who will believe in the future!
