Here is a picture of a truck load of food boxes going out from Foothills to some needy families in our community. Why am I posting this picture?
There has been much in the news lately, countless articles online, and survey reports done by various groups all point to the decline of Christianity in America. The fact is that people are leaving churches in record numbers. What’s really going on? Are we turning into a secular nation? Are we leaving our historical roots of faith? Do people see no need for a relationship with God? Some of these may be true to some extent, but I believe there is a greater culprit. I believe the church has traded the truth that it should look like Jesus for looking religious. The church has become more obsessed with it’s religious traditions, religious rituals, and a commitment to self-preservation instead of being transformed into the image of God’s Son. The term “Christian” was a derogatory name unbelievers gave the first century followers of Christ which meant, “little Christs”. The early believers liked the term. It simply reflected what each of them was called to be…look like Jesus. It obviously has lost this meaning 2000 years later.
People are leaving the church today because it is no longer relevant. Jesus was always relevant. People are leaving the church today because of all the internal conflict and squabbling that takes place. Jesus modeled love and forgiveness. People are leaving the church because they ignore the needs of the communities in which they exist. Jesus was always concerned about “the least of these” and meeting their needs. People are leaving the church today because of all the hypocrisy they see by those who attend. Jesus confronted the religious hypocrites of His day. I am convinced it is not Jesus most people are rejecting but empty, powerless, unsatisfying , religion.
The real Jesus is a magnet. People flocked to Him 2000 years ago and I believe when followers of Christ demonstrate the real Jesus in their life today, people still flock to Him. May we never be a church that trades Jesus for religion. Let’s show a community what the real Jesus is like! Let’s continue to feed hungry people. Let’s continue to reach out to the hopeless. Let’s continue to be generous with our money by giving it away freely meeting community needs. Let’s tell people there is a God who loves them just as they are. Let’s model His grace and forgiveness so others will embrace Him. Let’s show people a unity that is so amazing it can only be created by Jesus in us. Let’s live His truth so fervently that our lives are an example of His transformation and blessing.
I want Foothills to be the most non-religious church Molalla has ever seen! I also want it to become the greatest reflection of Jesus Molalla has ever seen! If we do this, we will become a magnet that people will not be able to stay away from. The church in America may be in trouble, but not here in Molalla. Let’s be Jesus to the people of Molalla Foothills! Get more trucks ready to deliver food. Jesus is on the way!
Learning to be like Jesus
Pastor Dale
