The 'E' Word

It is interesting and hopeful to note the NEW emphasis on evangelism that is prominent on most PCUSA churches’ websites, on the denomination’s website and on personal blogs dotting the net landscape.

It’s interesting because for decades the denomination talked a good bit about the E word, but did little or nothing to pursue the call to introduce non-believers to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The new emphasis on evangelism, mission and new church development only appeared when the money at the higher judicatories began to dry up and the membership numbers of the denomination began to plummet. (We’ve lost more than 2,000,000 members in the last few decades!)

While many local churches stayed faithful to the primary call of the church (evangelism), the national church talked evangelism but never walked the talk. Social action was the by-word of the denomination. (I’m for social action! My 45 years in ministry, my congregations will attest, always called my various parishes to address the needs of the poor, the outcast, and the injustice suffered by many. I didn’t march in the streets of Mississippi in the racially torn sixties for my health!)

When local churches began to withhold contributions to the national church and membership numbers began to fall off the cliff, slowly but surely the national leaders began to pay attention.

But the real evangelism is being pursued at the local levels, not at the higher courts of the denomination. Though national leaders now speak often of evangelism and missional objectives, they continue to push many radical social agendas (gay ordination, gay marriage, abortion, anti-military, etc.) which will continue to impact the ‘giving’ from local churches and will continue to contribute to declining membership numbers.

But the renewed focus on evangelism in the local churches is wonderfully encouraging. The denomination may not survive for more than a few more decades, but the vibrant local churches centered on Christ will be blessed.