“While Philipp and Amsdorf and I drank Wittenberg beer, the word reformed the church,” Luther famously reminisced. He was referring to the power of God’s Word alone to change hearts and even whole communities. Thus the reformation happened solely by the work of God through His Word.
Today, much of the American Church seems to be hunkering down, especially the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, before our increasingly non-Christian American culture. Many seem to be raising their hands in surrender or, worse, fatalism. Others are reluctantly, some gleefully, accepting that the Church will shrink. It seems our current synodical leaders are planning for a smaller church body!
While I’m sure Luther’s outlook wasn’t always rosy as he stood before the giant beast rising from the sea, he still entrusted the reform of the church and the making of disciples to God and His powerful word. Sure enough, the Gospel produced fruits. That should be the only assumption we make as pastors and the Church. The Word works.
It may be anecdotal, but I have never been a part of a diminishing congregation. Sure, I have seen the weeds and shallow soil suffocate some, but more often, I have been regularly surprised at the Holy Spirit’s work of bringing lost people into the Kingdom. I don’t believe I have some unique gift or luck. I believe the word of God changes hearts, makes disciples, binds people together, and gives life. It works phenomenally, shockingly, regularly! So, my church and I plan on that every year!
Churches should not be saving for rainy days or scurrying to preserve themselves. The church should never worry about simply existing. God’s got that down. It should be liberally investing in the proclamation of the Gospel and the teaching of His Word. It will not return void. God will not only grow His Church, but He will also sustain her and the people. Nothing can stop Him, not the culture, governments, even the most deadly obstacle: riches.
What if pastors and churches didn’t see their neighbors as enemies but as human beings, just like they were, who are dead in trespasses, needing the Gospel? What if churches decided not to live by their means but by God’s? What if God’s people believed that they were living at the right time and place to witness the death and resurrection of Jesus? What if we believed that the Word of God does what it says?
