Recently a prominent DFW based pastor criticized churches with a different theological outlook than his. It was much more than an honest critique, it was a rant. One of his criticisms was that, in his view, these other churches were less focused on evangelism than his church. This is the issue that I want to address, not some of the other issues he raised (although I certainly could). He accused them of being less evangelistic and anti-missions, branding them guilty of being committed to the social gospel. During this rant he told his congregation that the question they should ask when evaluating a church is, "who are they reaching?" This pastor and his church reach a whole lot of people. I am glad they do. I believe that's what churches should do. I applaud them for their faithfulness to that New Testament emphasis.
However, I must take issue with the key question for evaluating churches. The primary question should not be "Who are they reaching?" The primary question we should ask in this and in every age is, "Who are they preaching?" That is the critical question. Are they preaching the Jesus of the Bible? The exclusive Christ in a pluralistic world (Colossians), the superiority of Jesus in all things (Hebrews), the pre-existent, first and last, Logos of John's Gospel?
This is the critical issue confronting the Bride of Christ in our day.
Recently my 21-year old son, a future PCA pastor/theologian and I were talking about this very issue. I told him when I began my ministry thirty years ago the key issue was biblical authority: 'Can the Bible be trusted?' People had to choose. Churches and denominations split (mine did). That was the key issue then.
Now, the key issue is the Gospel of Jesus Christ Himself. Whether you're a pastor, denominational leader, Bible study teacher or lay person in your church, always ask yourself and your partners in ministry, "Who are you preaching?"
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