I am just a simple servant in my local church, I lead a small group and have served as a deacon. I try to read every mailing of the Courier. Many of your articles point to SBC leaders looking for answers in very trying times, in many areas.
Near the back of your latest issue was an article pointing to the decline in baptism, worship attendance, and membership across the SBC. In the same article, and in many previous articles, I have observed letters from folks who were passionate about any and every “tradition” that has ever been carried out in an SBC church. Many other letters showed grave concern over the type of dress to wear to church. And everyone knows that music less than 100 years old is often frowned upon, and can be a matter of division.
I can’t help but believe that there’s a big correlation between the decline in our churches and the tight grip we hold on our religious traditions. We have spent decades culturing people into religious habits instead of telling them what Christ really desires – not their habits, but their hearts. And when He owns their hearts through their total surrender, then the music, dress and traditions will not be the grave concern in their lives. Jesus will be all that matters.
What do you think? Click here to send a letter to the editor addressing this or another subject.