Many Atheist state, that the Church is responsible for so much injustice. This statement is made by people who take a intellectual stand against a background of personal disappointment with Christians and churches.
In Tim Keller's new book "Reason's for God" a question is asked: If Christianity is the truth, why are so many non-Christians living better lives than the Christians?
The answer? Nominal Christianity
I believe that the issue is "Nominal Christianity" which means a person is Christian in name only, who does not practice it and perhaps barely believes it. What brings a Christian to this state? They have never experienced a authentic love relationship with Christ and with other Christ Followers. Someone who is connected with Christ that seeks to please Him and allow Him to take control, will find themselves longing to share that intense experience with other Christians.
Preaching will never be enough.
For the person that claims Christianity, preaching alone will not provide sustaining power or growth. In a big group atmosphere, a person can slide in when the preaching starts, become convicted maybe even cry, then slide back out without anyone saying to them"how can I help or pray for you"? That will never happen in a smaller community of believers such as a lifegroup.
I am of the opinion that LifeSong Church will only continue to grow numerically, if we grow spiritually. There enough churches that give value to the atheistic statement about Christianity, and the only way to turn that tide is to be authentic with the King of Kings, and seek to have authentic relationships with other people that have the same goal of worshiping the King.
Gather, Grow, & Go
Pastor Tim