“If God can save any person, He can save any church.” This is what Dr Sam Rainer stated in our first session at Re:Charge 2025. He emphasized the truth that no church should die, and every church can grow. No church must die, but that does not guarantee that churches never do. Some will reach the end of their life cycle and cease to exist, but God can step in and revive, revitalize and reestablish His church as the thriving congregation He desires them to be. Biblical optimism is not ignoring the situation or struggles your church is experiencing; it is instead seeing a Savior who can intervene.
Biblical optimism is the result of faith in the character of God, who He is and what He can do. Optimism is not necessarily the same as faith in God. Listen to Romans 15:13: “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” Are you abounding in hope? Romans 15:14 states, “And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.” Paul was advising them to encourage one another earnestly with Biblical optimism; God is able.
The song says it well, “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.” We say things like, “I sure hope we win this game,” or “I sure hope it does not rain on Saturday.” This hope is based on our abilities or on things completely out of our control. Biblical optimism is not ignoring the difficulties and sticking your head in the sand like the proverbial ostrich. Instead, it is the knowledge of God’s presence, power and purpose. There are over 3,000 promises in the Word of God, and there are 803 pages in one of my Bibles. That gives an average of 3.73 promises per page.
Not every verse is written to you, but all Scripture is written for you. You should be careful not to see the promises as contractual or as a formula, but rather as principles you can stand on. God is a good God, and He is not bound to respond the way you believe He should. His promises are true because He is truth, but that does not mean you can back almighty God into a corner where He must do what you ask Him. Your faith must be firmly based on His character, not on receiving everything you ask for, even in church health and growth. It is the assurance that God still has it, and He is in control.
Biblical optimism is founded in the knowledge of God’s presence and that He is always on the move, even when you do not see Him. Currently, it seems that our culture could be on the cusp of revival. Fox News recently reported that Gen Z is returning to church. Barna Research has stated that young adults are leading a resurgence in attending church. The Colson Center announced that for the first time, young men are more likely to return to church than young women. That is unprecedented. We had been told that approximately 70% of young adults between 18 and 22 walk away from church.
Who is Gen Z and what is happening? They were born between 1997 and 2012 and are between the ages of 13 and 28. They have grown up with the internet and smartphones. They are very pragmatic, financially cautious and greatly influenced by social media. They value authenticity, flexibility and purpose-driven work. Of those returning to church, Rainer Research tells us that 33% were raised by a single mom, and 67% were raised by a single dad. The statistic with dads doubled, once again showing the importance of men being spiritually present.
The number of Gen Z returning to church when both parents were present was 72%. In Experiencing God, Henry Blackaby stated, “Discover where God is already at work, and join Him in that work.” How will you and how will your church respond and minister to this next generation heading back to church? Will you make room for them and receive them? Will you disciple them? Will you seek to minister to their needs as more important than holding on to your own personal preferences? Are you willing to take the time to listen to them, get to know them and equip them with Biblical truth?
Here are a couple of things that Thom and Sam Rainer say you should know about Gen Z:
• They value authenticity over a polished performance. This does not mean they do not appreciate excellence, but their focus is more on being real than producing a show.
• They value participation, not passive observation. It is wonderful that they are reminding us of what Sam Rainer has stated, “The Christian faith is just as much about using your feet as it is using your mind.” James 1:22 says it best: “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”
• They are community-conscious and expect the church to be also. They are by nature activists with a strong desire to make a difference for good.
• For them, trust must be earned, not assumed. Unfortunately, there have been far too many stories of churches and church leaders who have given them ample reason not to trust. How can you rebuild that trust and show them what authentic Christianity should look like?
• Digital presence matters to them, but in-person relationships remain the most effective.
God is on the move, and you need to join Him there. Here is some great news: Gen Z is heading back to church. Will you be ready to meet them and minister to them? Here are a couple of resources. Check out the Church Answers Podcastepisode, “Why Gen Z Views Church Differently”from Sept. 17. Consider getting a copy of The Anxious Generation Goes to Church by Thom S. Rainer.
