by Phil Sanders

The Christian Chronicle reported this month that churches of Christ declined 2.1 percent nationwide during the final decade of the twentieth century. This marks the only decade during the last century churches of Christ failed to grow. We ask why.

I don’t believe we can attribute the problem to just one thing. Several things have hindered the cause of Christ.

(1) We are losing preachers. Each year we lose nearly 300 preachers more than we gain from our universities and schools of preaching. In the last decade we have lost 3,000 preachers, who could have served the 13,000 congregations among us. Let us beseech the Lord of Harvest to send forth workers (Matt. 9:36-38).

(2) We began fussing more. The radical right and radical left constantly criticize and condemn the mainstream middle. If we continue to bite and devour one another, we should not be surprised that we are consumed by one another (Gal. 5:15).

(3) When the Boston movement was no longer counted among us in 1994, we lost 46 churches and 18,816 members.

(4) Our churches began “graying.” When the average age of the members of a congregation exceeds 70, it is very hard to keep them growing. Older congregations of 50 or less often decline, because they are not able to care for the needs of young families.

(5) We stopped training soul winners. We don’t hear much about evangelism today, though we hear much about “church growth.” They are not always the same thing.

(6) With the onslaught of postmodern thinking, we have lost our “theology of lostness.” When large and prominent churches support teachers of false doctrine, give a false sense of security, and fellowship those outside the body of Christ, our people no longer see the need for evangelism. When we don’t see others as lost, we don’t see a need to take the gospel to them.

We should not be pessimistic, however, for the Lord will restore and bless those who are His. I find many, many congregations thriving and growing. Those who are working hard may not be able to overcome the numerical losses of those who are dying, but they will survive and prosper as they hold to the Word of God.

by Phil Sanders

This last week has been an enormous roller coaster ride. My mother suffered a debilitating stroke to her brain stem, which left her unable to swallow or to talk. We do not know how much she can perceive and understand when we speak to her. She cannot respond with words and usually not even with a nod or blink of an eye. She can move her limbs some. Mom has a high likelihood of additional strokes and could easily develop pneumonia. For her, both life and improvement are uncertain.

Thanksgiving this year will not be the same. We can only begin to think how wonderful God has been to us. We can see and perceive, hear and understand, eat and enjoy, talk and communicate. We can express love to our families and friends. We can use our hands and feet; we can clean ourselves. We can use our minds. We can pray.

How easily we take for granted all our blessings. God is so good to us and gives us so very much. Never, never forget the good things.

May God bless you.

by Phil Sanders

After surveying hundreds of converts, preachers, and transferred church members, Thomas Rainer discovered these important factors as to why people become church members:

90% rated the preacher and his preaching as the number one reason. 88% said defined and proclaimed doctrine. 49% rated friendliness. 42% said other varied issues. 41% said, "Someone from the church witnessed to me." 38% said family members attended there. 37% sensed an atmosphere of God's presence. 25% had a friendship with a member. 25% said Bible classes were a major factor. 25% cited the children's ministry. 12% said other ministries or groups. 11% said worship style was important. 7% said a convenient location.

Rainer said that the things church members often think are most important are actually least important to those they are trying to reach. He also spent considerable time discussing the importance of preaching and doctrine to those seeking a church.

Unchurched people want a church family that is committed to the Lord and proclaims the message of repentance and conversion rather than a church that teaches everyone is okay. Rainer also found that many churches have adopted strategies aimed at attracting people from other congregations rather than choosing to be involved in saving the lost.

The gospel taught with love and firmness still works!

[Adapted from an article by Bill McDonough, who surveyed Thomas Rainer's book, Surprising Insights from the Unchurched.]

by Phil Sanders

Time has a way of changing things. It is difficult to keep things the way they are. Children graduate from high school, graduate from college, and get married. A young married couple goes from having no children to having one child to having multiple children. A serious health challenge comes along, and things are never the same.

Joseph went down to Egypt as a slave and became a mighty leader, second only to Pharaoh. After Joseph died, “a new king arose over Egypt, who did not know Joseph” (Ex. 1:8). The Hebrews, who had known favor during Joseph’s lifetime, became the slaves of Egypt.

Life changes.

Fortunately, there are some things in the Christian life that never change. The Lordship of Jesus Christ never changes. He arose from the dead and is now sitting at the right hand of God. Nothing can change that.

The word of God cannot change. Though heaven and earth pass away, the words of Jesus cannot pass away (Matt. 24:35). Our flesh may wither, but the word that was preached to us will abide forever (1 Pet. 1:24-25).

The character of God never changes. The Hebrew writer reminds us that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb. 13:8). Our God is one who does not lie (Tit. 1:2). Paul proclaimed that nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom. 8:37-39).

Amidst all the joy of new homes, new children, and new lives, let us give thanks for a God who never changes. Amidst the heartache of loss and disease, let us hold fast to the God who will never be moved. Praise be to God!

by Phil Sanders

1. “It doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you love Jesus.”
2. “One church is as good as another.”
3. “Telling people they are sinners hinders the preaching of the gospel.”
4. “Sin is an outdated word.”
5. “When Jesus lived on earth, he committed sins.”
6. “Just believe and say the sinner’s prayer, and your sins will be forgiven.”
7. “Don’t be baptized to be saved; be baptized because you are saved.”

Satan has always been a liar (John 8:44), and we must realize that he is out to get our souls by leading us away from the truth to a lie (1 Pet. 5:8; Eph. 4:14). We must measure everything we hear by the word of God. Satan wants to appear like an angel of light, but his message is really darkness (2 Cor. 11:3-5, 13-15).

The devil can quote Scripture (Matt. 4:6), but he is selective in what he quotes and ignores the rest of Scripture. Just because something is true does not mean it is the whole truth. So let me suggest:

1. Love Jesus and take care what you believe (1 Tim. 4:16).
2. The Lord’s church is the only church purchased by His blood (Acts 20:28).
3. Sinners must repent (Luke 13:3; Acts 17:30).
4. The wages of sin is still death (Rom. 6:23).
5. Though Jesus was tempted in all points as we are, He is without sin (Heb. 4:14-16).
6. Repent and be baptized so that your sins will be forgiven (Acts 2:38; 22:16).
7. Baptism also now saves us (1 Pet. 3:21; Tit. 3:5-7; Mk. 16:16).