With the Fourth of July upon us, it looks doubtful that the "Call2Fall" will reach its goal of 40,000 congregations kneeling in prayers of repentance for three to five minutes this Sunday.
Still, more than 27,000 churches and individuals have enlisted, which is still a good showing. That is nearly four times the number who had signed up when I first wrote about this observance.
Whether you participate or not, as the nation celebrates its 233rd birthday, it is worth finding good news to pass along to parishioners this weekend. I think it starts with the biblical message that God is sovereign and His reign will continue, regardless of the fortunes of the United States or any other nation.
Surge in church attendance
While bad news seems to abound in the U.S. these days, we shouldn’t forget that in many places the economic slump has prompted surges in church attendance.
Case in point: the July cover story in Charisma&Christian Life, which reviews a dozen churches who are thriving amidst layoffs and uncertainty.
Among the examples are the International Church of Las Vegas. It has seen a 33 percent increase in attendance since the economic crisis began, with 6,000 people a week now attending.
"There is definitely an awakening occurring," says Pastor Paul Goulet. "And it’s not just reserved for Las Vegas and other cities in the United States. It’s really worldwide now."
The Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. has seen a recent surge of 3,000 members, an increase of about 10 percent. Says Pastor A.R. Bernard: "I think this is the most exciting opportunity for the Christian church in America…People are fearful. People want answers…And what better entity than the church to provide that?"
Smaller churches have expanded, too. In recent months, West Valley Christian Church in Southern California (now at 750) has grown 36 percent. The Fresh Anointing House of Worship in Montgomery, Ala., is up 10 percent, to 1,100.
Blessings of Freedom
One story does not make a trend. This week I have read about discouraging signs, too, such as a sharp increase in the percentage of births to unwed mothers and the first appointment of an Islamic chaplain by the Los Angeles Police Department.
Of course, the latter provides evidence that the nation’s freedom is available to everyone. And freedom is the best soil for Christianity. God wants those who follow Christ to choose that route, not come out of fear or coercion.
Ironically, this week Christianity Today distributed an e-mail newsletter that reprinted a November 2001 editorial titled "Rally Round the Flag." The column noted the fears in 2002 that restoring the flag to churches could stoke patriotic fervor that might turn into nationalistic hate. Or, spark a civil religion whose John 3:16 is "My country, right or wrong."
Yet, CT called for a metaphorical return of the flag. Its message, just as relevant nearly eight years later, is that churches should celebrate our political values, show the connection between theological and political liberty, and uphold liberty and justice for all.
That we live in a nation that considers those ideas worthwhile is cause to celebrate as we pursue the higher goal of spreading the gospel across the globe.
