My Responsibility

I read Baptist Press (www.BPnews.net) almost everyday so that I can keep up on major happenings in our convention. Today I read an article entitled "SBC Baptisms Down Amid Other Growth". This was an interesting article. It shows how the number of Baptist churhes grew this past year by 524; that membership among Baptist churches increased by a small percentage; primary worship attendance among Baptist churches increased over last year; total reciepts for all Baptist churches for last year was over 11 Billion dollars, etc, etc.

The problem was that the number of baptisms reported by churches accross our convention was down by 1.89% and that last year baptisms were down by 4.15%. This is a disturbing trend and is nothing new. In fact, if we consider the population growth of the US and compare it to church growth, we have been in decline for many years.

Why? Why are we not reaching people? We could blame this on may factors. The article in BP News did not make an effort to place blame, so I will do it for them!

Study the New Testament, you will not find elaborate strategies and church structures in place as a means of bringing salvation to a lost world. You see everyday, common individuals like Peter, James, Paul, Phillip, and others who are passionate about telling others about Jesus.

We must take personal responsibility for evangelism if we are to be effective at reaching people with the Gospel. It is not our churches that should be reaching people (meaning our church organizations and structure). It is the people within the churches that have a responsibility to win others to Christ. That means you and me. Not our pastors and professional clergy, not the people with the so-called "gift" of evangelism, not the ones who have signed up for visitation on Sunday nights, not the ones who are great communicators...me and you. We are responsible...I am responsible.

Who's fault is it that more people are not being saved in our world...MINE!