This past week I had the privilege, as a Caucasian, of spending an entire day with two choice, humble, darker-skinned servants of the Lord. They are from South Africa. As ministry executives, they had been here for a week-long meeting of world leaders regarding the state of the church.
“So, what do you think Jesus would say if He addressed the American church on a Sunday morning?” I asked. “Say our Lord had the opportunity to speak by a video feed to all the congregations in the United States. What do you think He would say?” My question seemed appropriate, because while here, the two had a chance to visit a number of churches.
“‘Stop playing church,’” was their almost immediate response. The words were said in love and not meant to sound harsh. It was the same kind of thoughtful comments I had heard on previous occasions from church leaders of other countries.
In my opinion, one of the great illusions of the American church is that she is not backslidden. Yet, this is a message I almost never hear from our pulpits. Granted, it’s not an easy topic to address. But, if it is preached in a compassionate manner, my guess is that many Christians would be open to it.
Possibly a bigger problem is that all too many in the clergy are backslidden. What do you think?
———————————————
Sunday’s coming. Do you have your sermon ready? Is it relevant? Will it effectively motivate your congregation to walk more in step with the Master? What about that Sermon Series you’ve been thinking about?
Or, if you’re someone who plans well ahead, have you asked yourself what you will preach for your Easter Sermon, your Advent Sermon, your Christmas Sermon?
David Mains and Mainstay Ministries can help. We offer a wide variety of Sermon Starters and Full Sermons that will give you Sermon Ideas to help you prepare for regular Saturday or Sunday sermons, Mid-week Bible Sermons, and Sermons for special occasions.
We also offer assistance as you create Topical Sermons, Sermons Series, and sermons for special times of the year. We have resources available to help you with Advent Celebrations, Advent Sermons, Christmas Sermons, Easter Sunday Sermons, Patriotic Sermons, and more.
For more information on how to create better Bible Sermons and how to turn Sermon Ideas into Sermon Outlines, and then into effective, meaningful Sunday Sermons, please click here to visit David Mains’ website.
You will also find a variety of resources for pastors and congregations at the Mainstay Ministries website. Just click here.
