Things to Ponder

First, Happy Mother’s Day to all our moms, grand moms, and great grand moms, and possible we have some great great grand moms! We hope your day is special!!

I read where 89 “Christian” universities and colleges have closed their doors in the period from 2017 through March 28, 2023. In the brotherhood, Cascade college and Magnolia Bible college closed in 2009. Western Christian college closed in 2012 and Ohio Valley college in 2022. Magnolia recently reopened in a smaller setting and is no longer accredited by SACS. There are 19 colleges and universities with church of Christ ties that remain open.

Fourteen congregations have closed within a 100-mile radius of us since the early 90s. Several congregations in our area have less than twenty members and are struggling to hang on. The preacher shortage is very real with more congregations in need than there are preachers! I know of two congregations within 45 minutes’ drive time from here who are looking for full time ministers.

Many denominational groups are struggling much worse than we. What is the answer? For our faithful colleges and universities, let us encourage our young people to attend. I know tuition is high, but all offer scholarships, grants, and work programs to help in greatly reducing the costs. Three good ones near us are Ameridge, Freed-Hardeman, and Harding.

We need to be outward focused and not inward focused in our congregations. Invite others to attend, share the good news of Jesus and the New Testament church, and faithfully support your local congregation with your attendance, talents, time, and money. Bring up our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord and let us be a positive example to them. Please stress the importance of the Bible being our standard and Jesus Christ our Lord.

We need to encourage our young people to become leaders in the church. We need preachers, teachers, lecturers, professors, elders, deacons, song leaders, and VBS and summer camp personnel. Let us remember we need to continue to fill all our support personnel such as cooks, greeters, nursery staff, and maintenance people.

“Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest” (John 4:35, NKJV; emphasis mine)!

Stay true to the Word,

Brother Travis