I am a churchman, and I am not ashamed of it.  I believe in the local church.  I’ve been a member of one since I became a Christian as a boy and even if I weren’t a pastor, I would be a member of a local church.  I believe the local church is the plan of God for each believer’s protection, growth, and expression of service in the Kingdom of God.

The word church in the New Testament translates the Greek word ekklesia and refers to a group called out of another group for a purpose.  Many believe that it is sufficient that one is a believer and is part of the “universal Church.” Interestingly, however, ekklesia appears 115 times in the New Testament and 99 of those times it refers to a local collection of believers.  Also, one would be hard pressed to find the same accountability and opportunity outside of the local church.

My heart is broken, however, because I believe most 21st century churches are unhealthy and in dire trouble.  At a time when the world needs the church the most, the church is least prepared to be the salt and light in our communities Jesus intends us to be.  This weeks’ blogs will deal with what I believe to be the most critical challenges churches today face.  These challenges are not external –governmental harassment, public ill will, or dearth of opportunity.  Our issues are internal; we have become our own worst enemy.

I hope that you will come back each day this week and read the heart of a pastor who loves the local church and who loves the Lord of the Church.  I want to see the American Church revived and awakened to overtake the gates of hell as Jesus promised we could do.

And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. – Matthew 16:18