A recent article published by the Barna Research Group in Ventura, California indicates that more and more people are turning to alternative experiences to the “traditional church”. Barna cites (1) a sagging economy, which causes people to alter their financial behavior and lifestyles, and (2) rapidly changing technology, which allows people to combine “church life” with distance learning.
“Each of six alternatives was deemed by a most adults to be "a complete and biblically valid way for someone who does NOT participate in the services or activities of a conventional church to experience and express their faith in God." Those alternatives include engaging in faith activities at home, with one’s family (considered acceptable by 89% of adults); being active in a house church (75%); watching a religious television program (69%); listening to a religious radio broadcast (68%); attending a special ministry event, such as a concert or community service activity (68%); and participating in a marketplace ministry (54%).”
Whatever the reason, whatever the method of worship, we at Acts 4:9 Church believe we can more readily begin to meet some of the needs of our society because there is less “red tape” to cross before digging in and getting dirty. Bible study is only one part of our Christian walk and experience. It is fundamentally important, and should not be neglected for the sake of “outreach”. What good is it to reach “out” if we don’t first reach “up” and know the God we serve? The flip side of the coin is this: What good is it to feed only the “self” and not reach out with the life-saving gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost and hurting world? Often, we must first meet others’ physical needs before we can convince them of their deeper spiritual need. That is the purpose for this organic gospel anyway, isn’t it?
So, whether you remain part of a traditional church or join a house church, take a step of faith and dive in to serve others rather than to be served.
