My wife and I are transplants from Michigan from more than five years ago. We love Southern hospitality, the slower pace of life and the moderate climate.
As a transplant from the Midwest, I was curious to experience the Bible Belt. The open expression and acceptance of faith in media and socially are some glaring differences with Northern culture. However, familiarity and openness toward Christianity may, at the same time, be breeding contempt. I am not speaking of society, but in the church.
Many of our traditional Southern Baptist churches are full of members and attenders who are spectators watching Rome burn. Every week, four Southern Baptist churches close their doors forever because they are clinging to how things were done 50 years ago.
Could it be we need a fresh approach in reaching the younger generation, who are the future leaders? Taking an honest look at how we worship, disciple and present the gospel message is critical. Burying our heads in the sand is not an option.
Second Chronicles 7:14 is our rallying cry. We need to surrender our will and preferences. Serving God is not about us – it is all about him and what he is doing on earth. We just need to find out what it is and get on board.
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