State of The Church: Staying True to the Gospel in Church Today

Pastor to Pastor

As we witness the ebb and flow of our congregations, Seth and I, Pastors Jason Watson, find ourselves at the intersection of celebration and solemn reflection. Our churches are blossoming with new members, even as the reverberations of our children's laughter cross from baseball fields to university campuses. Yet beneath the surface, there's a tremor we can't ignore - the encroaching tide of a diluted gospel, sugar-coated and served with a side of prosperity, straying from the unyielding truth we've vowed to uphold.
Confronting this reality, we engage in a candid conversation about the present malaise within Christianity, where the discomfort of spiritual accountability is all too often swapped for a feel-good message. The confusion around "once saved, always saved" surfaces as we underscore the imperative of living a faith that bears witness through action, not merely words. This discourse is a heartfelt plea for church leaders and the faithful: let us not be seduced by numerical growth at the expense of the Gospel's power - a power that calls for transformation, not mere affirmation.
In the closing act of our dialogue, the recent men's conference acts as a prism, reflecting the complexities of church entertainment, forgiveness, and the humility required of those who lead. As we draw from the events involving Mark Driscoll and a performer's controversial past, we are reminded that leadership is as much about grace as it is about guidance. And with a final look upon the ancient blessing from Numbers 6:24-26, we part with a benediction that echoes our longing for the divine touch upon your lives. Until we meet again on Pastor to Pastor, may your journey be marked by His favor and peace.