Lukas, my teaching partner, and Pasho, my new pastor friend and soon-to-be translator, picked me up in Vienna this afternoon and we drove to Bratislava, a city of 500,000 that is the captial of Slovakia. Pasho pastors Bratislava City Church which was started during the Communist regime by his parents and others. Some of his older members were imprisoned because of their faith. The unchurched rate in both the Czech Republic and Slovakia is around 95%. The average church size is 60. Pasho's church is about 400, making it one of the largest in the nation--a megachurch. He says the 3 biggest obstacles to growing churches are 1) apathy due to the success of captialism resulting in a measure of comfort, 2) religion--people consider themselves Christian because their grandparents were practicing Catholics. But less than 5% of the population actually attend church. Even Christmas or Easter fail to draw them, and 3) a failure by the church to present relevant, life-giving solutions.
Tomorrow, about 45 leaders from Catholic, Baptist, AG, and other denominational and non-denominational churches will come together, hoping God will give them some tools to change this city and their nation. According to Lukas, many of them are discouraged and feeling like the situation is hopeless. But his encouragement to them is the church is not a sinking ship and we didn't sign on to spend our lives in a fruitless cause. Pray that the Holy Spirit will use us to bring at least one fresh idea, or maybe nothing new, just some encouragement. I am believing that each leader will leave refreshed and equipped to further the Kingdom this year in Slovakia. Thanks for your prayers, your financial partnership, and your friendship. Even though you are not here with me, your giving or your time, talent and resources are part of you and those parts are here with me. Heaven will be richer, and the Kingdom of God in Slovakia and the Czech Republic stronger because of you.
A Life-Giving Church for People Just Like You!
Whether you are full of questions or ready to jump right in, there is a place for you at The Church at Mirror Lake. Our church is a place where you can build relationships with others, experience God in worship, be empowered by practical, life-giving teaching from God's Word, and have fun doing it.
Together, we are living the Winner's Life as we learn to love, serve, reach, grow and connect. So whether you're a spiritual seeker starting to ask questions about God, or a committed Christian looking to sink your faith roots even deeper, you'll feel at home at The Church at Mirror Lake.
If you believe Jesus really meant it when He said, "I came so people can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of," (John 10:10 Message Translation) then join us this weekend at one of our Jesus Celebrations. Until then, browse our website (a link is on the right of this page) where you'll find lots of helpful info and feel free to download one of our service messages or subscribe to our weekly podcast where you will receive the fresh, life-giving Word of God.
_________________________________________________________________
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment