LIVING WITH NEW STARTEGIES

Joshua Chatraw, executive director for the Center of Public Christianity, wrote,

“At one time in the West, Christianity seemed plausible because elements of the Christian story were woven into the fabric of everyday life. Leading institutions, daily practices, and common communication assumed realities such as a heavenly realm, a transcendent moral code, sin, divine judgment, and the possibility of ultimate redemption. These formed the tacit background of much of the culture’s everyday stories, the tapestry of meaning by which people lived.” Though not everyone was a Christian, they at least lived in a setting that made the Christian story make sense. “At the very least, the belief in God—and more specifically the God of the Bible—seemed a viable option for most and was generally viewed as a positive influence on society.”

There is an important implication: “Living in this increasingly post-Christian context means believers should no longer expect the ministry strategies of a bygone friendlier context to be as effective.” The need to explain, defend, and share the faith is as great as ever, but some of the ways we do this may need to change with the times.”

No doubt our strategies will change, but I agree with a recent comment from my friend DJ in Rowlett, Texas, “Times may change…but we must determine ‘to know nothing but Jesus Christ and Him crucified’ or we have no message to change the world.” Amen, to that.

“Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me.” Jesus