Pause and Discern

Pastor Mark Jobe – Notes

Spiritually

  • The Father gives us the ability to achieve his plans when we pause and discern what he is doing in this season. This can be personal or local.

What are we living in….

  • People who fear the future become…
    • hyper defensive
    • survivor mentality
    • they withdraw.
  • We are not to live like that… We live in a moment of great opportunity with great challenges….

Stats

  • 41% of Americans attend church monthly. Not weekly
  • 57% of Americans hardly go to church – The language of deconstruction. Only 3% have done the “deconstruction” – a slim but vocal minority.
  • 39% of millennials attending church post-pandemic. Huge surge from 21% pre-pandemic attendance. (WHOOP)
  • 45% of non-white millennials go to church.
  • 16% of Boomers haven’t come back to church post-pandemic.

Community

  • It’s at a premium now…
  • The younger generation has isolated and deprived themselves and that is why they are coming… they want community!!!

What action steps can happen?

  • 36% of people are non-religious in America… and they aren’t anti-Christian… they are one of the most open groups because they are looking for something!
  • Build holistic small groups.
    • Intimate community
    • Practical help
    • Intentional discipleship
  • This summer… “need-oriented evangelism.”
    • Have one clear ministry that meets the needs of the community but also shares the Gospel.
    • Make connections so that people can serve alongside Christians.
  • Loving Relationships
    • Measure it by saying if they were loving relationships if their members were getting together without the church’s help.
    • If that’s not happening… how can we make it happen?