In Response to Recent SBC Statistics

The new statistics for Southern Baptist are out and they are not good. As reported by Chuck Kelley, President of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, in 2016 we experienced the lowest baptisms since 1946, the lowest membership since 1990, and the lowest worship attendance since 1996. These numbers are shocking and should rattle us our core. We need to be asking what is going wrong and what do we need to do differently.

In all honesty, we have seen this slide for some time now, but the phrase, “lowest since…” just grabs your attention. We need to acknowledge that we have allowed ourselves to get grossly off course and distracted. Whether it has been the worship wars, the ever-growing attractional models, our growing intellectual arrogance, or simply a giant case of complacency, something has distracted us and it must change.

One does not have to look far into the New Testament to find help. The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) provide a historical account of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Then, we move into the book of Acts, a historical account of the early church. The book of Acts reads like an action thriller as the gospel moves from Jerusalem to the ends of the known earth. In the book of Acts we see the passion and the commitment of the early followers of Jesus Christ to spread the gospel.

The book of Acts begins with the call of Christ for us to be His witnesses (Acts 1:8). We are told at the end of chapter two that the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teachings, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer (Acts 2:42). These were exciting days as God was doing many amazing and miraculous things in their midst. However, the atmosphere quickly changes from one of a camp like experience to one of great danger and risk.

In Acts 4 we see Peter and John arrested (v. 3). At question, a crippled man who had been healed. One of the miracles that had led to 5000 men believing in and following Christ (v. 3). When asked by what power or by what name the healing had taken place (v. 7), Peter responds, “let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead – by him this man is standing before you well” (v. 10). He continues, “This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (vs. 11-12, ESV).

After this exchange, and not knowing what to do next, the leaders called Peter and John in and told them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus (v. 18). So how do Peter and John respond? They respond classically and fearlessly, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard” (v. 19-20, ESV). That’s right, under the threat of severe punishment or even death, their answer is we have seen too much, heard too much, and know too much to be quiet. We will continue our proclamation of the gospel.

Upon their release, you would think that they would head for safety. Maybe a new work in a new place. But, not these guys. They head back to their friends and hold a prayer meeting. What was the main request that they carried before the Lord? “Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness” (v. 29). They did not falter one iota. They double down, ask for courage, and look to continue sharing the gospel.

And now, fast forward 2000 years. Change the setting from an aggressively anti-Christian environment in Jerusalem to an easily offended and over-sensitive United States of America. What do we find? A people who are firmly rooted in their beliefs, who hate to offend, but love truth too much to be quiet? No, we find a people who have been lured into complacency, who talk a great game, but do little to move the gospel forward. So how do we turn the tide? Look back! The answer is right there in Acts 2, hidden in plain sight. We make a commitment to prayer, to teaching, to fellowship, and to the breaking of bread. The answer continues in Acts 4, we need to pray for a supernatural courage. We need to share the gospel passionately regardless of what opposition we face. We need to take seriously the call of Jesus to go and be His witnesses (Acts 1:8). And when we truly do these things, we will begin to see people come to know the Lord in incredible ways. When we get serious about the things we claim to believe, we will see the statistics turn from “fewest baptized since…,” to “the most baptized since…”

Turning the ship will not be easy. It will take time and commitment. It will take perseverance, because the results will not come over-night. However, if the church will rise up and do the things God has called her to do, we will impact the world as we have been called to do. Keep praying. Keep seeking. Be obedient. Trust God. When we read the book of Acts, we know that we are a continuation of that very story. I pray the story will end with all the excitement with which it began.

Taking a Stand in a Christ-less Culture

The Apostle Paul’s passion for the gospel never ceases to amaze me. As I have written before, when Paul met Christ, he went from chief persecutor of the church to chief propagator of the church. Paul never missed the opportunity to proclaim the gospel. It is as if it burned within him and no matter the circumstance he had to share it. Sometimes this is in the form of a simple testimony and sometimes he argues his case as if he is standing before the Supreme Court.

A story is recorded in Acts 17 of one such instance when Paul makes a case for Christ. Paul is in the city of Athens. He is waiting for Silas and Timothy to arrive to assist him in the ministry. However, while Paul is waiting on them he begins to take note of all the idols that are within the city. At the same time we are told that, “his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols” (Acts 17:16). As a result, he begins to make his case for Christ and the gospel.

As Paul is making his case, he approaches it in an interesting way. He starts with what they know; he finds common ground with them. He says, “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, ‘to the unknown god’” (Acts 17:22-23). Paul found an open door and walks through it. He then says, “What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you” (Acts 17:23). Paul then goes on to make a very detailed argument as to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

As we think about sharing the gospel, there are several things we can learn from Paul. First of all, this event takes place in the normal flow of Paul’s life. He is simply waiting on some friends to arrive and killing time. Second, Paul finds common ground with the Athenians. He does not start a huge argument as to the sinfulness of worshiping idols; he simply uses these idols as a connecting point to share the one true God with them. Third, Paul is not shy about sharing the truth even though idol worship was clearly the accepted practice of the day in Athens. Every believer would do well to model their life and witness after Paul.

When Difficulties Direct

Throughout the book of Acts we have seen the progression of the gospel. We are reminded once again of Jesus’ Great Commission. “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). We have seen the gospel proclaimed in Jerusalem, in Judea, and Samaria. Now we come to Acts 13 and we see the gospel launched “to the ends of the earth.”

Paul and Barnabas have been preaching the gospel. The Jewish people that they were speaking to were responding with great interest. Unfortunately, this upset the leaders of the people. The Bible says, “But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him” (Acts 13:45). Paul and Barnabas could have allowed this to discourage them. They could have looked at the situation and quit. Instead, they simply say, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles” (Acts 13:46). The Gentile response is also worth noting. We are told, “And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed” (Acts 13:48).

This story has two things for us that are worthy of note. First, we are reminded once again that God has a heart for the nations. God’s desire is that all people will come to a saving knowledge of Him. As believers, we are to take part in this gospel advance. Second, it was after a difficult situation occurred that the gospel was preached to the Gentiles. We must be careful not to view every challenge as a negative. Sometimes God uses these difficulties to direct our path and accomplish His will. Walk in faith and expectation…even in the difficult times.