Ed Stetzer

There is an on-going debate about whether or not the United States can still be considered a Christian nation. Some Christian leaders have conceded that the church no longer has the home field advantage in our culture.

More United States citizens than ever now declare that they have no religious affiliation, and this is reflected in people’s attitudes and the decisions they make.

When I was a boy, coaches would hesitate to have a practice session on a Sunday afternoon. Now, youth sporting events are routinely scheduled for Sundays; sometimes Sunday mornings.

Words that would have earned me a trip to the principal’s office are now commonly used in high school dramas.

Ed Stetzer says, “Fifty years ago being an active member of a robust church was almost necessary to get on the school board. Today it might keep you off.”

Stetzer points out that the culture has pushed the church to the margins of society, and secular spirituality is on the rise. However, he maintains, “I’m not discouraged. Effective churches will attract and keep strong believers who are motivated by their faith and not by cultural norms.”

We had better get used to playing on the road. That means that we will get booed a lot. It also means that a lot of calls won’t go our way. But it doesn’t mean defeat. We know how the story ends. Jesus wins!

And if we are on his side, so will we!