Five Trends in the Church Today

Acts 29 Network has posted this article from a talk by theologian, DA Carson. As you can see, the topic is right up the alley of the purpose of this blog--usually, anyting Carson writes is well worth the time to read. And if you ever have the chance to hear him speak, don't pass it up. Carson identifies "Five Trends in the Church Today":

1. It is important to observe contradictory trends.

2. Current evangelical fragments are moving into a new phase -- into polarized "clumps."

3. The most dangerous trends in any age are the trends that most people do not see.

4. There is a trend in our churches to be consumed by social concern.

5. There is a trend in our churches to emphasize discipleship over the gospel.

I would love to hear him speak more on this last point. In some ways this could be very misconstrued. But the most intriguing discussion was the fourth point concerning the Gospel and social responsibility.

Social justice is a major buzz word in the evangelical church theses days. And, personally, I think it is a healthy course correction—especially for those of us on the more conservative end of the evangelical spectrum—that is needed. For too long, we have been more like the religious leaders who pasted by the beat-up traveler, rather than the compassionate Samaritan. I do think it is a very good thing for local churches to look around and see where they can make a real difference in their local communities with compassionate ministries.

Here is where I appreciate Carson’s warning: I hope in that process, the act of compassion does not become the focus over the proclamation of the Gospel. Yes, we should “do good to all people” (Galatians 6:10), and we know that all men have a greater need for Christ than the hurt of the moment, so we must not overlook the work of the Gospel in doing the works of love.

In the end, should it not be both, rather than one over the other? One has a temporal concern and the other an eternal. To the hurting, the temporal will take immediate precedent, but in the process, the eternal must be addressed. Thus somewhere is the “magic” balance, neither one should be overlooked nor under-emphasized.

I encourage you to read the entire post here.

Blessings
Bill H