Recently, I was asked a thought-provoking question on a podcast: “What current trends in churches today concern you, and which ones encourage you?”
If you’ve followed this blog, you know I’ve expressed concern lately over several trends in the modern church. While it’s wise to adjust methods to reach people in every culture and era, I’m concerned that in some cases, accommodation has replaced conviction—and the gospel has been reshaped to suit the times rather than to call people to repentance.
Moses hit the rock when God said to speak to the rock. The water still flowed. The results were impressive. But the Lord was not pleased. God said to Moses, “You did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites” (Numbers 20:12). Moses’ method worked, but his disobedience cost him dearly.
The danger facing the modern church isn’t just that it may be ineffective. The deeper danger is that it has become highly effective at the wrong things. In many churches, the desire to reach people has overtaken the call to obey God. And in our efforts to be compassionate, relevant, or appealing, we risk forgetting who we are called to be.
I’m encouraged by the quality of young men entering ministry. Many are intelligent, faithful, and willing to accept challenging assignments.
But I’m alarmed by how few are preparing for ministry. Bible colleges are closing. Enrollment in preaching programs is noticeably declining. If we don’t find ways to multiply leaders and prevent ministerial burnout, we may soon face a serious shortage of qualified preachers and church leaders.
I’m encouraged by the church’s increasing involvement in local communities. Food pantries, school supply drives, medical clinics, and outreach to the homeless, incarcerated, and those with special needs are powerful demonstrations of Christ’s compassion.
But I fear our focus on social issues is replacing gospel conviction. While caring for physical needs is honorable, Jesus made His primary mission clear: “The Son of Man came to seek and save the lost” (Luke 19:10). He warned, “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” (Mark 8:36).
Many churches today are empty because they slowly replaced the Great Commission with the social gospel. Voddie Baucham recently reminded preachers that their preeminent task is “to prepare people to meet God and live forever.” The Apostle Paul echoed that urgency:
“By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you… for what I received I passed on to you of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day…” (1 Corinthians 15:2–4).
I’m encouraged that churches are striving to be more relevant. Many have become skilled at reaching modern audiences—offering dynamic sermon series, engaging youth programs, and impressive websites and facilities.
But I’m concerned that, in the process, we risk losing our distinction. We’re not called to blend in, but to stand apart. God says, “Be holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16). Casual irreverence, coarse humor, and overly theatrical worship may seem trendy—but they reveal a deeper problem: we’re no longer awed by the holiness of God.
Promotions like “Beer and Bible Study” or sermon series built around Hollywood movie clips may draw a crowd. And yes, people often respond. But the question isn’t just “Did it work?” But did it honor God as holy in the sight of the people? (Numbers 20:12)
I’m encouraged by the church’s compassion for those struggling with deep sin—addiction, sexual confusion, and trauma. The church must never forget that Jesus came for the broken.
But I’m concerned that we shout grace and whisper repentance. We love to quote Jesus’ words: “Neither do I condemn you”—but ignore His command that follows: “Go now and leave your life of sin” (John 8:11). We’ve tried so hard to make everyone feel welcome that we’ve neglected to tell them the truth.
It’s been said that heresy is often truth taken to the extreme. I am concerned that when we elevate compassion above obedience, we lose both. When we preach love without holiness, or grace without repentance, we subtly train the next generation to believe that sin is merely a personal struggle, not a spiritual defiance.
Throughout Scripture, God warns His people that right methods cannot justify wrong motives. (Amos 5:21–23; Isaiah 1:15; Zechariah 7:5–6).
And Jesus’ first sermon wasn’t soft: “Repent and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15).
Grace isn’t amazing if sin isn’t serious. And the cross doesn’t save if sin doesn’t kill.
However, there are still many reasons to remain encouraged and optimistic about the church. New churches are being planted. Some large congregations are quietly shifting away from the seeker-sensitive model. Many pastors are returning to expositional preaching. And global evangelism is expanding at a pace unmatched in history.
But we must not confuse crowds for disciples or activity for faithfulness.
We are called to more than cultural connection—we are called to Christlike conviction.
The injunction to “Come out from among them and be separate” (2 Corinthians 6:17) is still a valid call for believers to distance themselves from the worldly influences that are incompatible with their faith. Let’s have confidence in the power of God’s word and remember,
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God… Live such good lives among the pagans that… they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” (1 Peter 2:9–12)
