It has been more than two decades since church growth leaders and researchers sounded the alert that the church is in rapid decline. Some blame it on society and question whether the church is relevant. Many have turned inward to ride out the storm. Few blame it on our discipleship efforts.
Now that the decline is glaring, we should look at what has and will give us life.
We are called to discipleship in Jesus Christ, and the call has not expired. Neither has our organization or the church. The call, the purpose, and the mission are not optional. Discipleship is not optional.
This message is an excerpt from a Women of the ELCA blog by Valora K Starr. Today is the fifth Sunday in Lent. We remember Hans Nielsen Hauge, renewer of the church, who died in 1824.
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