LRC, Houston - the weekends-free church in Houston, Texas

Why is Christianity doing so well in the third-world countries? Why are miracles in such abundance outside of America? Why are Christian converts exploding outside of America compared to next to no growth at all here in the States? In fact, 2004 statistics show that there was less than one new convert per church in America.

One!

I don’t know if I should feel better knowing I was higher than average, or if I should feel terrible. Probably neither. Church attendance in America is on the decline as well. So, what’s up with America?

Could it be the food the church is serving?

Is it possible that people aren’t coming to church because the bread is stale, the wine is Ripple or Boone’s Farm, and the Word has been watered down into Seven Steps To Successful Christian Living, and the rich young rulers that we are think we’ve got those seven steps down? Is it because we’ve tailored the church experience to fit our schedules and not God’s? You know, four quick P&W songs without repeating the chorus more than twice, hi-tech video announcements in under sixty seconds, and a twenty minute message with video, laced with entertaining jokes.

Is the problem with Shepherds who aren’t, rather than with the sheep?

Is the tail wagging the dog?

And how much of a role has the fact that we’ve forgotten all about Mark 10:30 played in the problem? Or has it? It seems to me that church has sent the message that what’s most important is that one gives their life to Christ, and then forgetdaboutit! Hey, if I’m IN, what’s to sweat (no hell for me!). As I look at the differing cultures (ours and the 3rd world countries), what’s obvious is that they NEED GOD! They don’t have hospitals, pharmacies, Drugstore.com, and a Barnes & Noble filled with great self-help books. They need help HERE & NOW, in the nasty now-n-now, not in the sweet bye-n-bye.

Listen, once you have eternity locked up, once the after-life is but an after-glow, who needs church? Who needs God?

Do you? And if so, how badly? What are you ready to give up to be with Him? It is going to COST you- NOW!