“To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians 1:27 ESV

One of the biggest obstacles facing traditional churches is making themselves relevant in today’s world. It is a known fact that the educational institutes have contributed strongly toward including Christianity with other religions teaching the irrelevancy of faith. Yet when the message of Jesus is fully convene, understood, and accepted, everyday life becomes full of meaning and purpose. One then slowly learns how Jesus Christ is the answer to the problems facing couples, parents, executives, and politicians.

So how can churches make themselves more relevant?

What if we begin by explaining the difference between a Christ-follower and a Jesus fan? Then maybe, we can discuss the difference of living a Jesus-centered life versus a Jesus-principled life. But more importantly, what if we expounded the Christian mystery as Paul writes in the letter of Colossians’ that God lives in you. That the reason Paul preached weakness, self-denial, and joy in suffering, is to allow the power of the Holy Spirit to fully express Himself in and through you.

What if we had more mentoring relationships where marketplace disciples become better equipped with integrating the struggle of performance with grace-filled outcomes?

What if we did a better job of emphasizing our relationship with God and less about the religion of performance?

What if we aligned our preaching with our teaching? (Ever notice how some ministers preach relationship but teach religion).

What if the Church was more inclusive and less divisive?

What if the Church was more active to demonstrate God’s love in the community?

What if the church stopped preaching formulas for success and invested more time comforting the downcast?

What if the Church invested more time praying and less time planning?

What if the Church did a better job demonstrating how a grace-filled, life-giving life compares to a non Christ-centered life?

Whatever the solution, change is required. We can’t expect to continue doing the same thing and get different results? Or can we?

PS: I would love to hear what you believe needs added to the list.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Executive Director & Founder
Marketplace Bible Institute
& Resource Center, Inc
Author of e-Books:
 *  Great Business Emulates a Good God
 *  Be Radical…Follow Christ!
 *  Simply The Messenger
 *  Unequally Married

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