You do not have to look hard to find pessimistic perspectives about the place of Christianity in America today. Denominations are shrinking and splitting. Big churches from yesterday are shutting their doors today. Well-known speakers and authors are finding themselves in scandals on a semi-regular basis. Younger generations are not joining churches like their parents and grandparents once did. Things are certainly changing. But change, if approached with humility, prayer, hope, and a focus on Jesus, can lead to inspiring renewal instead of inevitable decline.
The person of Jesus Christ and what He accomplished for whoever would turn to Him, cannot be thwarted by any generation no matter how much we change. Because Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow, He remains the way, the truth, and the life. Who Jesus is and what following Him does is especially important for our modern generation. Perhaps more than ever, people are predisposed to search for meaning, reliable truth, purpose, and happiness. There just happens to be more voices amplified than in previous generations. This creates a challenge to overcome but it also creates remarkably fertile soil for renewal amongst the people of God and the expansion of the Gospel to those who don’t yet know Jesus! What if our changing world is actually setting us up for a revival like we’ve never before seen?!
While change is inevitable, the demise of Christianity in America is not. Instead of lamenting how things are different, what if we start asking how things could be better? What if those of us connected to Orchard prayed over this question on a regular basis:
HOW CAN WE HELP AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE EXPERIENCE JESUS TODAY?
Change creates new opportunities to do good in our world. At our best, Christians have been known for innovating in ways that both advance the Gospel and bless the places where we live. Did you know that Christians led the way in developing the printing press? They did this to help people read the Bible, which led to an unexpected side effect of literacy for the whole world. From healthcare to homelessness and just about everything in between, some of the best innovations and most impactful forms of service ever were led by Christians: everyday people who are compelled by a desire to follow Jesus and the work of His Holy Spirit! This is why I am so excited about the work we are doing at Orchard!
Our team at Orchard works tirelessly to lead the charge of fostering the next generation of Christ-centered works. We want to inspire the spirit of innovation that has aided the Church for years to continue to bless our world today. Orchard comes alongside the dreamers, the risk-takers, the entrepreneurs, and the innovators to harness their God-given gifts as they launch new works that advance the name and fame of Jesus through practical service. Missionaries have done this globally for generations. Our big prayer is to help American Christians carry that same spirit of innovation and adaptability to our life domestically.
This is why Orchard is such a worthy investment. A changing world means we need new methods to deliver an ancient message. We need trailblazers to chart new paths that help everyone, everywhere experience Jesus. It is time we move beyond lamenting our changing culture, to joyfully seeking God’s will for how to better love our neighbors today. By partnering with the work of Orchard, you are doing just that!
Let us not forget the words of God, speaking to His chosen people: If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)
Join Orchard in the work of helping as many people as possible experience Jesus! Through your giving, through your prayers, and through your time, there is absolutely no investment more worthy than helping people experience Jesus Christ both deeply and personally. Let’s go!
Would you like to make it possible for Orchard to more confidently commit to helping Christian leaders launch and lead ministries helping those in need? Join Ignite Monthly Giving and make a big impact in smaller increments!