During the summer months, most denominations hold their annual national meetings. These can be times of great joy and celebration as reports are shared about the progress of the gospel through their church planting, foreign missions, and discipleship ministries. In addition to the “business” of the church that is conducted, these are also pleasant times of renewing friendships with colleagues and former school classmates, almost like a homecoming school reunion. And for some, a highlight are worship services as thousands join their voices in singing great hymns of the faith, and hear sermons from some of the finest preaches of our day.
Sadly, in some denominations, these are painful times where liberal theology and unbelief increase their influence, leading denominations further and further away from their historical and biblical roots. Increasingly such denominations follow the “progressive” views and priorities of our culture, not only in rejection of foundational doctrines (such as biblical inerrancy, Jesus’ virgin birth, and substitutionary atonement), but also in opposition to long-standing principles of morality (such as the homosexual agendas, abortion support, and gender identity), with a shift away from the mission of evangelism and church planting to the early 20th century substitute of social justice.
When the focus remains on the gospel, people can rejoice in a fresh commitment to the church as the bride of Christ, seeking to renew a commitment to Him and to the work to which He has called us, aiming at making His bride more and more beautiful, adorned with the fruit of the Spirit, and leading lost souls to the giver of eternal life. We have a rich treasury of hymns about the church which we can sing at such meetings, and in our local churches as we pray for God’s blessing on His church, the body of Christ as well as the bride of Christ.