“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Gal. 6:9).
Have we, as evangelicals, truly learned anything that has improved our effectiveness in reaching the lost? In recent decades, many churches have tried nearly every method imaginable to make worship enjoyable, appealing or entertaining. Yet somewhere along the way, we began to assume that if something isn’t fun, it isn’t fruitful. But Scripture calls us to something deeper: teaching, discipling and proclaimingtruth, even when that truth cuts against the grain.
Paul reminded the Corinthians, “My speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power” (I Cor. 2:4). That raises a hard question: have we preachers removed the “stinger” from God’s Word so that it no longer leaves a mark? Is it possible we have drifted from older, steady, Spirit-empowered methods simply because they seem outdated or lack the polish of modern trends?
Doctrinal preaching doesn’t exist to offend — it exists to convict. We cannot persuade men and women to turn from sin unless they understand why repentance matters. And when even God’s men begin to believe that godliness requires no real life change, should we be surprised when conversions disappear?
When was the last time we preached plainly about Hell? About immorality? About drinking, gossip, cheating or lying? If sin is never confronted, grace is never cherished, and salvation is rarely sought.
Many churches today sit beneath the heavy shadow of debt, with buildings designed to attract crowds but now sparsely filled. Over the years, we’ve watched the rise and fall of one “model” mega church after another. Why the decline? Often because once a church becomes large, it feels pressure to maintain its momentum — sometimes drifting from what made it strong in the first place: things not made with hands… but rooted in “thus saith the Lord.”
We’ve also tied almost everything we do to numbers. But are numbers the best measure of ministry success? Biblically, success looks far more like faithfulness than attendance. In fact, many small country churches see more genuine conversions than some of their larger counterparts. Perhaps every church should ask: If we divided our yearly budget by the number of souls saved, what would that reveal about our priorities? It may be sobering to discover that much of what we spend is aimed more at maintaining the crowd than reaching the lost.
What if, instead of expanding buildings, some churches planted new churches? What if numerical growth sparked multiplication, not construction? A church that births another church mirrors the early church far more than one that simply builds another wing.
I believe every true church desires to honor God, yet many have unknowingly adopted the world’s standards to keep the masses content. Most of us are, in one way or another, victims of our own times — pressured to soften truth, to go with the flow, or to avoid controversy.
But we must remember this: meeting physical needs can never come at the cost of neglecting spiritual needs. We should care deeply for hurting people, but we must care even more deeply for their souls. A church that abandons doctrinal clarity in the name of cultural comfort will soon find itself with full buildings and empty altars.
May God give us courage to return to the kind of preaching and living that produces real, lasting change. May we not grow weary in well doing — for the harvest is still coming, “if we faint not.”
From Our Missionaries
Ebenezer, West Little Rock: Ruben Isturiz writes, “I am writing to sincerely thank you for your support, which made it possible for my wife, Kory, and me to attend Celebration 2025. It was a very refreshing time and a valuable opportunity to connect with other believers and, of course, with my beloved wife.
“We also had a wonderful Thanksgiving together with other families from the church. It was a busy week as we welcomed our daughter, Zuly, home from college and our nephews from Rogers. I thank God for this week of family focus.
“As for activity at Ebenezer, we have temporarily suspended our Discovery Bible Studies (DBS). Attendance has been inconsistent because some people have been coming and going from the city.
“Now that December is here, we are focused on our big event — the Christmas Dinner on Dec. 20. We hope to have a great time of fellowship and welcome new people to Ebenezer.
“Thank you again for your prayers and continued support. To God be the glory!”
Faith Chapel, Flippin: Johnny Shew writes, “We had a great week at Faith Chapel! Our numbers were back down a little, there are a lot of things going around, but we still had a good number, with several return visitors, and we had a great time of worship! We had one join by letter last week, and we baptized one this week, and he has one happy mama! Praise God!
“We finished painting the classroom addition on Saturday, and are now trying to finish the electrical. The flooring contractor and the security system’s final installation are scheduled for this week. The plumbing fixtures and kitchen cabinets are ready to be installed as soon as the floor is done. So, it is all coming together and we couldn’t have done this without you.
“We are truly thankful during this Thanksgiving week for this association, every church, every local association, and every person who has helped to support us in this mission, or helped with the work, and has lifted up prayers for us!
“We thank God for you all! In Christ’s Love.”
Faith Chapel, Flippin: Johnny Shew writes, “We had a great week at Faith Chapel! Our numbers were back down a little, there are a lot of things going around, but we still had a good number, with several return visitors, and we had a great time of worship! We had one join by letter last week, and we baptized one this week, and he has one happy mama! Praise God!
“We finished painting the classroom addition on Saturday, and are now trying to finish the electrical. The flooring contractor and the security system’s final installation are scheduled for this week. The plumbing fixtures and kitchen cabinets are ready to be installed as soon as the floor is done. So, it is all coming together and we couldn’t have done this without you.
“For the first time ever, our Sunday morning crew and our Sunday night crew came together for worship in the same service, followed by a fellowship meal. And once again, the Lord poured out His blessings — a record attendance of 53 people!
“It was a truly incredible week. We are excited about what the Lord is doing at Faith Journey — how friendships are forming, how bonds are strengthening, and how our people are coming together with a shared desire to reach our community for Christ.”
Epic Life, Pea Ridge: Jake McCandless writes, “On Thanksgiving week, only one Connection Group was able to meet, but we look forward to being at full speed next week.
“Also, our Collective Gathering in December will be on December 12. Our December one has always been a great time.
“Again, consider supporting our upcoming initiative, which we will launch at the beginning of the year!”
Misión Gracia Soberana (Sovereign Grace), NWA:Roberto Marcelletti writes, “Greetings, brothers and sisters in Christ. This week, we had to suspend meetings at the brothers’ and the Iris sisters’ homes. Nani and Angeles traveled to Indiana.
“On Thanksgiving Day, we invited a group of people we are evangelizing to our apartment. We took advantage of that day to continue witnessing to them about the love of Christ.
“Friday, my wife invited Jacob and Nicole, a couple who speak very little Spanish. We are witnessing to her so that, if the Lord allows it, we can start a Bible study in English with Sister Silvia’s children, who accompany her to our meetings but do not speak Spanish. Brother Elton Maccan is praying to be the one to lead this study every Sunday.
“Sunday, we had our Thanksgiving service, we had the meditation on Psalm 100, and at the end of the service, we had a time of thanksgiving. Then we went to the fellowship room to enjoy an excellent banquet with all the food that the sisters prepared.” (Below are pictures from the time of fellowship.)
