I was reading an article the other day that said the population of the world will be at around 9 billion people by the year 2050 and my heart nearly exploded. Seriously, I was overwhelmed with excitement, confusion and pain. Why?
Excitement because the potential harvest for the Kingdom of God is going to do nothing but increase. We currently have 6.6 billion people on the planet…and so in my mind going to 9 billion is merely adding 3.4 billion new opportunities to share the Gospel. There has NEVER been a greater time to do ministry than RIGHT NOW—we have all of the POWER of Acts 2 and all of the resources of this century. Seriously—I’m pumped!
Confusion because I wanted to know right then how God wanted to use me and NewSpring to reach these people. I know God has a plan…and I know He wants the church involved—but beyond that things aren’t as clear as I wish they were. We are actually getting ready to work through a strategy to try and reach as many people as possible in our community and all across the globe!!!
Pain because some people and churches simply do not care. The population of the planet is increasing, church attendance is decreasing…yet some churches refuse to acknowledge that as a problem. They hide behind excuses like, “Well, we just want a place where everyone can know everyone,” without actually having a Scriptural mandate for their laziness and apathy. Yes, we are called to Biblical community, but NOT at the expense of the Great Commission.
My heart is for people far from God to know Jesus…and I believe the best days for the church in the history of her 2,000 year existence are upon us!!!