THE TIME FOR WALLS IS OVER

Australia's 2016 Census: In 1966, Christianity (88 per cent) was the main religion. By 1991, this figure had fallen to 74 per cent, and further to the 2016 figure of 52%. 30% also reported that they had no religion. A dream I had a while back showed a map of Australia from above. The nation was completely grey. Australia then suffered two waves which passed over the land, the second being far stronger and quicker than the first, but both waves covered most of the nation. The meaning of the grey colour now seems clear because at 52%, Australia is only 'half Christian' now, whereas we used to be a majority Christian nation. This also shows Christians and churches are no longer having the influence they once did, and that this nation is increasingly rejecting the Gospel. This is extremely significant for Christians and churches because it shows we need to radically change our mindset when it comes to 'doing' church and being a witness for Christ as individuals. Our 'wait and see' if people will come to church is by and large completely failing. As is our belief that people will simply come to Christ if we 'live right'. The operation of the church and Christians at large in the New Testament was to be actually out in the community spreading the Gospel in all kinds of places, especially through servanthood evangelism. In the past, the church in the West has thought from the inside out. Recent stats show we need to change that to think from the outside, in. Why not hold church outside in the community in parks and public places? Why not split up in groups after services to share our faith with tracts? Why not split up into groups after church and go to streets to offer help to our neighbours and in that way share the gospel relationally? Why not hold church outside then after the services put on lunch for needy and homeless individuals in the area? Surely the time for walls is over. 'Church' as we know it needs to become, by its very definition, visible to all, mobile, and adaptable. It needs to open its eyes to the community around it and connect with it in real and supportive ways which build relationships and shows the love and person of Christ in practical ways, then with words. This moment in time is one the church will either learn from and so take advantage of, or allow to pass us by unto a continued downward spiral of ineffective religion and lukewarm apathy. It is a crucial moment in time where we can choose to imitate the radical church and ministers of the New Testament, or continue on in inconsequential perplexity and resignation into a fate not yet determined. Many already know more is needed and they know that much of the church today is stuck where it's at (many feel over the old but helpless to move it on), all we need now is a few that will dare to be a visible church which is mobile and outward focussed, otherwise our influence will continue to be holed-up, stymied, and increasingly ineffective.