Good Morning Pastor!
It is my prayer for you this day that you will sense the presence of the Living God, that He will embrace you with compassion and surround you with His love. You, my friend, are a servant of the Almighty!
In recent weeks I have noticed that many para-church ministries are experiencing financial shortfalls. Over the past several months some denominations and their missions programs have also experienced a downward spiral in giving. But interestingly enough, many of the local churches that I interact with are experiencing numerical and financial growth. We know that many people turned toward God during the terrorist activities of 9/11. Bible sales increased by 40% and many people found themselves drawn to the church. Could it be that something is changing that will never go back to being the same?
Could it be that the local church will once again be the focal point of people’s lives and the recipient of their giving? I think so. People are sensing a need for the fellowship of the local church and are experiencing a new appreciation for what it has to offer. And they are funding the ministry of the local church with their tithes and offerings.
I think the para-church ministry will need to find new ways to come along side the local church. Some of them may even want to merge with local churches to carry on their ministries. In other words, the local church will begin to do more things that para-church ministries have been doing. So, pastor, prepare yourself for the addition of greater social and evangelistic ministries in the local church. As the funding of para-church ministries lessen, I believe we are going to rapidly see the necessity of the local church expanding their ministries.
I also believe that denominations are going to need to re-invent themselves. They are going to have to re-think why they exist and who is serving who. The denominations that continue to believe that the local church is subordinate to them are going to die and the ones who are truly servants of the local church will flourish.
So, as you unwind from Sunday and begin the weekly cycle all over again, realize that we are living in what I think is one of the most exciting time in the life of the church in the last few centuries. God is on the move and the local church is still the vehicle that He is using to rescue the perishing and care for the dying. And brother, you could not be a pastor in a more exciting time!
In His Delight,
Lyn Sahr
Prov. 3:13
