The local church in America gets a bad rap. And in many ways, the negative news is warranted. You’ve seen the dire trends and statistics. You’ve read about the moral failures of many church leaders. We certainly don’t need to have our proverbial head in the sand about the dire state of our churches.
But it’s time to give thanks for the church.
It’s time to look at what is good about the local church. And it’s time to focus on these positive attributes and build upon them. We don’t need to deny the reality of the problems, but we do need to stop wallowing in the negative and move forward.
For These Things I Am Thankful
I am thankful that God’s Word is preached faithfully each week in local churches. Lives are transformed. Sinners are convicted. Christians are encouraged. Disciples are made. God is glorified. The gospel changes lives.
I am thankful that the gospel is shared every day through the ministry of the local church. Millions become followers of Christ each year by the faithful witness of those in the local church. Evangelism is truly the heartbeat of many churches.
I am thankful that countless Christians become more devoted followers of Christ through Bible studies in local churches. Faithful teachers and students prepare lessons and come together each day throughout the week. Their time in the Word brings transformation to their lives.
I am thankful that sacrificial ministry takes place every day through the ministry of local churches. Church members care for the sick, bring food and clothes to the needy, visit those in prison, and offer hope and resources to heal and strengthen families.
I am thankful that local church members give sacrificially, not only for the ministries of the church locally, but for mission work throughout the world. Local churches in America both give to missions and send out missionaries.
For these things, and so much more, I am thankful for the local church.
My Gratitude Is Personal
It seems like yesterday when Nellie Jo was about to give birth to our first son. When I first learned that Nellie Jo was pregnant 35 years ago, I made a decision to attend church.
I was a nominal churchgoer in my early teen years, but I dropped out completely when I turned 16. But when I learned that I was going to be a dad, I knew that I needed to make some changes in my life, and one of those changes meant leaving the world of the unchurched.
The local church I eventually joined took me in and loved me. My Sunday school class helped me to understand the Bible. Older and wiser Christians guided me toward becoming a better husband and a better father. And when God called me to vocational ministry, the local church was there to equip me, to encourage me, to support me and, ultimately, to send me.
For these things, and so much more, I am thankful for the local church.
Keeping Perspective, Keeping Balance
There is one viewpoint that refuses to acknowledge any serious problems in the local church. Though all the evidence is overwhelming, reality means little to these people. Protection of the status quo is paramount.
Then there is the perspective that readily sees and acknowledges the problems in the local church, but is too pessimistic to see anything positive. The situation is dire and there is no hope.
The healthy perspective, however, sees both the problems and the possibilities. It recognizes the struggles of the local church, but also sees God still working. It is a perspective of realistic hope. Certainly the church at Corinth had its share of problems, but the apostle Paul refused to give up on the church. He still saw God at work.
The local church is God’s instrument for His work. Millions of lives are transformed through the work of churches in America and around the world. I am one of those lives.
For these things, and so much more, I am thankful for the local church.
— Thom S. Rainer is president of LifeWay Christian Resources This column first appeared on his website, www.ThomRainer.com.