A recent health assessment indicated some problems. As a matter of fact the assessment revealed some serious and potentially dangerous results.

No. It’s not me or anyone in my family.

It’s our church. Last fall we invited several from outside our congregation to do a health assessment. The team interviewed nearly a dozen families in the church. They examined our history and our financial position. The team compiled information regarding the community in which we live. If you’d like I can provide you a copy of the assessment.

The assessment indicated some significant issues. First, almost every interview revealed that no one thought the situation was as dire as it truly is. Second, financially God has done remarkable things in insuring we have adequete resources to meet our needs. Third, our pastor (that’s me) has an excellent reputation inside and outside the church fellowship.

Most troubling though is the downward trend of attendance (dating back some 20 years) and the lack of significant evangelistic efforts. While we are proclaiming the gospel clearly, we are not connecting the lost people around us with the saving news of Jesus Christ.

So, what’s next?

We have choices. As long as there is a hearbeat there is opportunity. As a congregation our hearts beat as one with a desire to see people in our community come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Recently in reading through the Psalms I came across this passage:

“The righteous thrive like a palm tree and grow like a cedar tree in Lebanon. Planted in the house of the Lord, they thrive in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, healthy and green, to declare: “The Lord is just; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.”” (Psalm 92:12–15, HCSB)

First, I am reminded that God planted this church nearly 40 years ago. Although the original individuals through whom God has worked are no longer engaged due to a variety of factors, there are people here who have planted their lives in the house of God. There is a healthy group of men and women who are willing to stay connected to the Lord and one another.

Second, I am energized by this promise: They will still bear fruit in old age, healthy and green. GOD IS NOT DONE WITH US. Our age may limit our physical abilities (in other words, I’m not supposed to climb ladders…) but our age does not hinder our ability to bear fruit – healthy fruit.

Finally, I remain deeply committed to proclaiming the truths of God to the next generation, the generation after that one, and the generation following them.

Don’t be discouraged. With God, nothing is impossible.

STEVE