The past six months I've repeated the following refrain: The the current anxious and uncertain times have created the best opportunity in 30 years for Christians to witness to unchurched friends and family. Until recently much of the middle class was comfortable resting on wealth or status. Now the idols of consumerism are falling, leaving room for the true Lord of life.

Under the principle that the greatest strength is also the greatest weakness, the current tumultuous times are also negatively affecting congregations. One way is that congregational members seem less open to change now than in recent years. The most likely cause is that the more uncertainly found in jobs and at home the more Christians want stability elsewhere in life. One place to find such stability is the church.

So congregations have their greatest opportunity to connect people to Christ in at least a generation. This requires change. Social ministries may need to include financial planning and stewardship of life. Members would benefit from learning to articulate why they feel secure in Christ during such times. The irony is that congregations are now less likely to make the necessary changes because members want greater stability and consistency in life.

If your church has figured out how to help members go through the changes necessary to share the truth and hope of Christ to their community, add a comment to this blog. A note of thanks to Pastor Nate Guelzow for the conversation that helped clarify this reality for me.