Special Message

The Challenge for the Church in a Self-Absorbed Culture

(Final-Part Four – Serving Others & Answers to the Challenge)

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” – Romans 12:2

The “ it’s all about me” entitlement mentality is also being taught to our children by discouraging the importance of serving others. At one Lutheran school, two children each lunch period are asked to assist with preparing for the next group at lunch by wiping off the tables before heading out to recess. It is a simple task that teaches service. A new child to the school was asked to do this but refused, saying, “ I don’t clean tables!” He asked to call his mother because, for him, this was a big issue. The mother, like her son, thought this to be a terrible thing to ask of a child. She came that very hour and pulled him out of the school. This child, his mother, and many within our culture of today have been taught to believe we are not here to serve, but rather we are to be served by others.

These are very challenging times for the church. Rev. Dale A. Meyer, President of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri, writes:

For some time now I’ve found The Lutheran church-Missouri Synod a sad place. Many faithful pastors and peoples see church attendance declining. Many congregations are struggling to keep their doors open, but we regularly hear of church doors closing forever. Many rural congregations are dying, and few urban congregations are thriving. The strong witness of our Lutheran grade schools and high schools grows weaker by the year. Preseminary enrollments at our seminaries are an ominous trend. Try as we do and people are trying hard to get things going, we are up against cultural changes the likes of which we haven’t seen in our lifetimes.

President Meyer, despite the challenges, is hopeful for the future if we get back to trusing in the creative power and authority of the Word of God. He writes:

We all try to peer into the future; that’s human nature and can be good stewardship, but the best guidance for the uncertain future comes from the past. “ this is what the Lord says, ‘ Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Jeremiah 6:16)…

I remember Martin Scharlemann saying, “ God has given us the terrible ability to say, ‘ No to Him. “ I am very positive about the future of the Lutheran Church- Missouri Synod if… if we humble ourselves and seek the whole counsel of God… In the Pastor’s study, in the homes of all the baptized, in Bible studies, and in our life’s centerpiece, the divine service, studying, hearing, and obeying the whole counsel of God should be our occupation.

This is not only the work of the pastor and elders. It is also the occupation of the members of the Body of Christ! When people say to you, for example, that they think the pastor shouldn’t stress the importance of Bible study so much, you need not only to defend the teaching of God’s word but also talk to them about what a difference it makes in our lives. Invite them to attend with you. Some people come in and go out of the Divine Service and hardly even speak to anyone. Watch for the, stop the, talk to them, and invite them to join you in the study of God’s life-giving Word. When people say there not interested in the current subject of study, make them aware of the fact that it very well may be that when they go they will hear and learn something God wants to tell them. By attending they may also assist others in the hearing and knowledge of God’s precious Word. In Bible studies, assist the pastor in being aware of the questions and concerns of those attending. A frustration of many pastors is that so many people make judgements about Bible studies even though they haven’t attended one in years, if ever. Your pastor needs your help here!

In Conclusion:

The answer to the Challenge for the Church in a Self-Absorbed Culture is found where it has always been found- in the Word of God! Amazing, isn’t it? That almost all of the problems we face in the church and in everyday life have to do with our being disconnected from the Word of God in one way or another? We need more of the Word of God in our lives- not less!

Hear, O Israel; The LORD our God, the LORD is One. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on our hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

(Deuteronomy 6:4-9)

Pastor Lubke