Times change, cultures evolve, and fads fade or come and go. Certainly, our times are indicative of this. Consider how we have changed in 50, 25, or just 15 years.

We have transformed from a nation founded on biblical truth to a culture set adrift in the aimless sea of relativism, where nothing can be known for certain.

The Bible and the church are no longer respected by our society. People once had a strong work ethic where everyone did his part. Now, we are marked by consumerism
and a “me first” mentality. People do not come to church and say, “How can I serve here?” but “What can this church do for me?”

People used to have a basic grasp of biblical truth. A generation ago, you could preach in a public meeting with confidence that at least the audience would know “what” you are talking about. Not any more, even in the church there has been a “dumbing down” of biblical literacy. People want applications, not strong teaching. We now live at such a fast pace, we scarcely have time to reflect on God and eternal issues.

We must be relevant to reach today’s culture without compromising God’s truth. Imagine a missionary who went to another culture but refused to learn the language. He ignored the customs of the people, wore a jacket and a tie and preached in Elizabethan English. No one would hear him. If we remain tied to our old traditions, no one will hear us either.

God, please give us discernment to know how to best reach our city!