One of my greatest joys in life is witnessing the vibrancy of the global Church during my travels. Whether it’s congregations here in South Florida or Christian communities in distant parts of the world, the Church continues to be a dynamic force, a beautiful expression of people sharing the light of Christ across cultures and continents. Yet, as we reflect on this shared mission, one might ask: what makes sharing the Gospel in 2024 distinct from other times in history?
Changing times
While some may claim we live in an era of “unprecedented change,” the truth is that change has always been part of the human story. What is unique about our present age is not the existence of change, but the speed at which it occurs.
Globalization, the spread of technology and cultural shifts are all moving at an unprecedented rate. These factors present both challenges and opportunities for the global Church. The question, then, is how can we, as church attendees or pastors, serve the Church in this season of rapid transformation? How can we address this pace of change?
As Swiss theologian Hans Küng aptly put it, “The Church cannot do without the constant renewal of its form. Renewal of form implies change of form by means of human decision and responsibility.” Küng’s words remind us that the Church must continually evolve in its approach, adapting to new cultural realities while remaining anchored in the eternal truths of the Gospel. This renewal is not optional but essential as we face the demands of our time.
Unchanging Word
As leaders, church members, or pastors we must recognize the need to harness the technology and connectivity of the here and now while remaining true to biblical principles. We must rely on wisdom, discernment and guidance from the Holy Spirit to make these changes.
At OneHope, we’re equipping online missionaries to share God’s Word in communities where it’s difficult to publicly share about faith. I have friends and pastors all around the world doing amazing things in their communities to share the hope of Jesus. A church in France opened a flourishing community center for the building to be a place of gathering and community every day of the week, beyond their services. A congregation in Africa cares for hundreds of local orphans through their local outreaches. Countless South Florida churches shepherd and minister to local communities. And these are simply a handful of thousands of examples.
Our goal is to respond to the needs of the moment without compromising the unchanging truth of God’s Word. We must hold fast to the eternal hope found in Christ in a world constantly in flux.
Rob is President of OneHope, a global ministry committed to catalyzing a movement to engage every child in the world with God’s Word. Rob is also Chair of Come Near (He Gets Us.) and a member of the Board of Trustees for the Come and See Foundation (The Chosen). His mission statement in life is to “build young leaders and serve great leaders.”