In the wake of a crippled economy and a culturally corrupt society that believes right is wrong and wrong is right. And, while most American churches believe that real ministry only happens within their four safe walls or on their production stage…something needs to give. Something needs to change.

Over the last couple of days, God has been drawing me back to the study of the Reformation era again. America has never experienced a reformation, it has only experienced great revivals. Europe knows reformation, but really has never experienced revival on a massive scale except maybe in some pocket areas here and there.

I believe America needs a reformation. But, how are reformers viewed and what do true reformers do? They buck the current church system. They challenge it from every angle. Today, we admire the leaders of the reformation like Martin Luther, John Wesley, John Calvin, John Knox, and others. But, if they were alive today would we invite them to speak in our churches? Probably not. Why? Because these were the kinds of men who would have no problem saying things like, “Your church helps serve the devil’s agenda more than it does God’s agenda.” Ouch! Do you think he would get a big offering or get invited back? No. Because they weren’t motivated by those luxury ministry perks. They were motivated by truth! They were burdened with the culture of a nation, not the religious feelings of a local pastor.

These guys who led the reformation were not liked people. They were hated by the current religious system of that time. And, I believe that our current system of church and ministry will begin to strike at the reformation generation that God is raising up today. Let me go on record and say I love and believe in the local church, but I don’t like safe and nice churches. Why? Because safe environments don’t challenge and encourage people to grow, serve, work, sweat, fight and send out!

If your church is more concerned about collecting people then growing, activating and releasing people to do ministry, then it’s not a church, it’s a religious club. And, if the religious club refuses to change, then the purpose of it’s existence will be challenged in the coming years, and not just from next generation leaders, but also from mainstream America! Just watch!

Your Thoughts?