Keeping Woodmont Strong for Generations to Come

It has been absolutely heartbreaking to see the devastation from the weekend flooding in Texas and all the lives that have been lost. I have a good friend from college whose two daughters were at Camp Mystic. The younger one did not make it. These families are hurting and we need to keep all of them in our prayers.  We are establishing a Texas flood relief fund here at Woodmont and will decide how to best use the money to support the families and the rebuilding.  You can click here to make your contribution online: https://onrealm.org/WoodmontCC/give/DisasterRelief

 

This Sunday, July 13, we will celebrate the 82nd birthday of Woodmont. Our church was “planted” back in 1943 by key members of Vine Street Christian Church when it was located downtown. It was a bold, courageous decision at the time that led to generations of impactful mission and ministry. Over eight decades later, we see ongoing speculation and anxiety in our culture about the future of American Christianity and the role of the church in the coming years. What will faith look like ten, twenty, or thirty years from now? Why will some churches be forced to close their doors while others (in the same zip code) thrive and grow?

 

All ministers and Christian leaders should think about these questions because the decisions we make NOW play a big role in shaping and molding the church of the future. These decisions will also determine whether we are able to reach our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with the timeless values of Christianity. As we prepare to celebrate Woodmont’s birthday, I offer these twelve broad observations about the future of Christianity in our culture:

 

1) Denominational loyalty will continue to wane. There will be ongoing movement between Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Episcopalian, non-denominational etc. Christians will be more concerned about being a part of a community where they can connect and grow spiritually than simply maintaining family loyalties or membership to a particular denomination or congregation.

 

2) The words of Jesus will matter much more than creeds, doctrine, theologies, and hierarchies. Since the faith is built on Christ and his teachings, his words matter most. Christians need to know and reflect upon what he said and did and why it matters.

 

3) Churches will need to intentionally offer different styles of worship and music as well as a high-quality livestream. Healthy churches will recognize that not everybody worships the same way. Worship wars accomplish nothing. If your church is limited to one style or approach to worship, you are limiting your reach. Also, many people now look for churches online before attending in person.

 

4) Mission and outreach must be a priority and getting people involved in “hands on” mission will make all the difference. Writing checks is important but being hands on is transforming. The CEO who travels to Guatemala, Africa, or Appalachia will be changed and find incredible joy and purpose. A healthy church is always missional.

 

5) Small groups will continue to be the key to effective discipleship, relationships, and spiritual formation. New leaders must always be recruited and trained. If your group has dissolved or become stagnant, time to start another. This is where genuine connection happens, and life is lived.

 

6) Bold, visionary, and courageous leadership is essential. The churches that do well will have both pastors and lay leaders who are always looking ahead to the future, pushing the envelope, and are willing to try new things. The seven last words of the church are, “We’ve never done it that way before.” Innovation is key!

 

7) Hospitality and authenticity will be essential. Warm and welcoming churches that are authentic, energetic, and genuine will do well. Nobody wants to be ignored or shunned when they come to church.

 

8) The church must be a place where genuine healing takes place. Judgment always makes this difficult. There is a lot of pain and brokenness, and people need a place to heal and be honest. Recovery ministries, twelve-step programs, divorce care, grief care, counseling, and spiritual growth all matter.

 

9) Church communities must work to become welcome alternatives to the polarization, division, and incivility that is defining our culture. This does not mean everybody agrees on politics or social issues, but we must listen to each other and respect differences. If this does not happen, churches will simply mirror our polarized culture.

 

10) A consumer approach to Christianity (What can you do for me?) needs to be replaced with a servant form of Christianity (How can I serve?). One is self-centered, the other is selfless. One is inward-focused, the other is outward-focused.

 

11) Websites, podcasts, and blogs will be a way of getting people in the door but cannot replace authentic, face-to-face community. Technology is very important but has limits.  Many people are now lonelier than ever and starving for connection.

 

12) Experiencing God (a transformed heart) will be much more important than academic knowledge about God (head). Woodmont must continue to maintain the crucial balance between head and heart.

 

As we celebrate Woodmont’s 82 years this week, let’s all be thankful to the generations who have gone before us, and also be committed to the exciting future that God has in store! Our best days are yet to come!

 

Happy 82nd Birthday, Woodmont!