What mentality shifts must occur for the local church to thrive in the future?

"I have become all things to all people, so that I may by every possible means save some."

-1 Corinthians 9:22

We all have a mentality, and many times it is unspoken. We view and understand the world through the lenses of our experiences, some good and some bad. Here are a few mentality shifts that faithful local churches must make in order to thrive in the future where the baby busters (those born from 1965-1983) and mosaics (those born from 1984 to 2002) make up the majority of the population.

1. “If you Build it, they will come!”

The movie Field of Dreams is a great flick, but its philosophy does not work in the local church. This has been a predominate mentality over the last fifty years but has not shown the same fruit in the last ten years. Just because you have a big building, doesn’t mean people will fill it. The church is not a brick and mortar building, it is people. Jesus did not come to develop real-estate, he came to save and transform lives!

2. “Ours is a family church!”

This sounds positive and to some degree it is. However surely the church Jesus has built and continues to build should be and must be more than that! Furthermore, when interpreted from within our predominately Western experience or (and assumptions about) the middle-class nuclear family, it can seriously limit – perhaps even damage- our understanding of the mission of the church.

3. “The Church is the guardian of society’s morals!”

This seems hard to disagree with, but it really does come form the assumption that we’re the central religious institution of society, that we have the inherent right to speak with authority into the moral situation. In a post-Christian, post-church, secular culture, the church no longer has that kind of status, legitimacy, and permission in the eyes of our culture. In other words shouting louder at goats because they are acting like goats will not help our witness! This kind of mentality can tend to make Pharisees of us all. Rather than trying to resolve this, we must return to the image of witness and not presume we have the cultural right to correct other people’s morals. We point to Jesus though faithful witness, not prescribed behaviors.

4. Understanding the difference between biblical principle and practice.

This most often takes the form in speech of “We haven’t done it that way before…” Like a ship, which stays in the sea, barnacles can cling to the bottom of the vessel. Some traditions in local churches are extra, but not necessary to smooth sailing. We must be able to see that buildings, Sunday’s service times, programs, order of service, musical style, etc… will change, but the gospel and church remains! When we ask people to adapt to the church culture we are most comfortable with, we are not following the example of Christ and reaching people where they are. Jesus left the comfort of heaven to become a man, live a perfect life and die as a perfect sacrifice in our place. We must never sacrifice our message, but our methods may need to be reconsidered.

5. Moving from Heavy Ministry to Fluid Ministry

From the 1950’s though the 1970’s the cars built were very heavy and not as safe as cars built today. Back in that time, books were written on heavier weight paper, furniture was built heavier, etc…. Today our cars are lighter and designed to take the force of a wreck, and many of us don’t even use a book to read with, but a lightweight phone or tablet for reading books and paper. We are more mobile than ever in our history. Trying to apply how we did ministry during a very “heavy, rigid” culture will not work in a lightweight, mobile fluid culture. We need to think not in terms of “three to thrive” (Sunday Morning, Evening and Wednesday Night), but in terms of building community. With longer drives to and from work, the schools becoming the cultural centers, and more options competing with church time, our churches must learn to be fluid in meeting the lost where they are. This is one reason why cold visits, door-to-door evangelism has struggled with our current culture.

Who are the 144,000 in Revelation 7 and 14?

“Then I looked, and there on Mount Zion stood the Lamb, and with Him were 144,000 who had His name and His Father’s name written on their foreheads.” –Revelation 14:1

When one approaches the book of Revelation, I would encourage you to view this book as an apocalyptic book. Apocalyptic is a type of Biblical writing. To approach this book with a very wooden literal approach, will land you in some hard to prove and to follow interpretations. For example, Revelation chapter 7 opens with four angels standing at the four corners of the earth. No one would argue that this means the earth is flat with four corners. In addition the Bible uses the four winds to describe the judgment of God. We must understand the language John uses is symbolic in nature when speaking of the 144,000.


Many think they are literally Jews, the sons of Israel. That makes good sense since John says they are sons of Israel, and then pauses to list 12,000 from 12 different tribes. However, I believe that it most logically refers to the whole people of God- Jews and Gentiles that are saved. In other words all of us as Christians are part of the 144,000. The reason I hold this views is for the following reasons:


1. Revelation points us to the reality that the church is God’s people instead of ethnic Jews. Revelation 2:9 says that unbeliever Jews are not true Jews but are a synagogue of Satan. Revelation 3:9 is a direct reverse of what we see in in Psalm 86 and Isaiah 49 which says that unbelieving Jews will bow down before Gentile Christians. And Revelation 5:10 calls the church a kingdom of priests, which is what Israel is called in Exodus 19, but this blessing now belongs to the Church. Please note that this does not favor anti-Jewish views, as John was a Jew. All people are made in the image of God and need Jesus Christ! It simply shows that God’s people are those who have trusted Christ as Lord and Savior.

2. Revelation 14:3 describes the 144,000 as those “who had been redeemed from the earth.” This simply means those who are saved, that is all Christians.

3. The listing of tribes in Revelation 7 does not fit with any other listing of the tribes in the Old Testament. They are never listed in this order elsewhere, signifying that it should be read symbolically.

4. 10 of the 12 tribes listed have been lost to history to intermarriage with Gentiles after the northern kingdom was exiled, which would have been true when this book was written.


5. The literary technique used by John as he writes signifies the he speaks symbolically. For example, the same technique is used in Revelation chapter five where John is TOLD that Jesus as lion would conquer, but when he looked he SAW a lamb. It is the same person! In a similar fashion in Revelation 7:4, John hears the number who are sealed, but then in Revelation 7:9, John looks, and sees a great multitude which no one could number! Same literary device/technique that he used in Chapter five. What John HEARD and what John SAW referred to the same reality, but two different perspectives. On the one had, the redeemed are God’s true people: the true Israel of God. On the other hand, they are an uncountable multitude.

Who are the “false brothers” in Galatians 2:4?

“This issue arose because of false brothers smuggled in, who came in secretly to spy on the freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, in order to enslave us”

  There are several references in the Word of God to how the powers of Satan organize against the local church, which include false brothers, false prophets, and wolves.  

In a previous post, I wrote about wolves you are welcome to check that post out in the archives.  In Galatians 2:4, the apostle Paul writes about false brothers.  False brothers are unbelievers placed in the midst of believers for the purpose of division.  These false brothers appear to be non-believers sent from the Jews to cause destruction from the inside of the church.  The Apostle Paul speaks of the “spying on their freedom.”  

While the Jews may not send these false brothers today, the attack remains one recycled by the enemy.  Today, false brothers come in different forms and degrees. Some “false brothers” may not even be aware they are lost and working for the enemy.  But I believe that the enemy has placed them in local bodies to be a point of disruption and division.  Again you can pick them out by the destruction and devastation they leave in their wake!  If you encounter a false brother you should show them grace, but not be afraid to rebuke them.   If you sit and listen to their lies, your silence will be scene as agreement.  False Brothers are looking for numbers to bring about their destruction.  So be wise and be bold as you adhere to truth.

Battery Saturday Report

Today was a great day at Grace Baptist Church.  Our Church family stopped by 147 homes around our church campus.  Of the 147 homes, we make 62 contacts, prayed with 2 homes, and had 16 prayer requests.

In addition to the contacts and requests, we installed about 42 fire alarms in 20 homes.  Special thanks to Danny Birkner, Fire Marshall Jack Buckles, and all the volunteers of Grace Baptist Church (Greeters, Drivers, Installers, and the Kitchen Crew).  

Six teams of three greeted our neighbors' homes and four teams of two people installed smoke alarms.

Quick Review of the day:

• 147 homes received packets!
• 62 homes had a personal contact!
• 2 homes were prayed with by a Greeter Team!
• 16 homes gave our church prayer requests!
• 42 fire alarms were installed in 20 homes!

We showed Christ love by meeting a physical need and spiritual need today.  As I told one homeowner who asked why were doing this, "We don't want anybody to burn here or in eternity!" 

Notice:  Fire alarms are still available for free!  If you or someone you know in Elizabethton who would like a free alarm installed, call either the Elizabethton Fire Department @  (423) 542-5421 or the Church Office at 423-542-5551 to set up an installation appointment.

Have a blessed day!

Does Everyone Go to Church for the Same Reasons?

A Warning on Wolves

"Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravaging wolves.” Matthew 7:15

No!  Some people do go church for the wrong reasons.  One bad reason to go to church is to have control or be in charge of something.  Do not forget the warnings on wolves given from Jesus and the Apostle Paul.  Remember a wolf does not announce he or she is a wolf, but pretends to be a true follower of Jesus Christ.  In order to heed this warning you must exercise discernment.  Wolves are often referenced throughout the Bible in a metaphorical sense. The Bible highlights a wolf’s hunger (Gen. 49:7), destruction (Jer. 5:6), or vicious, fierce, or ravenous conduct regarding the innocent (Ezek. 22:27; Hab. 1:8; Zeph. 3:3; Matt. 7:15; Matt. 10:16; Luke 10:3; Acts 20:29).   The wolf is out for one thing, himself or herself.  It is not unlike the sinful pride of Lucifer when he said, "‘I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north" or Diotrephes "who likes to put himself first" and “does not acknowledge our authority" (3 John 9). The pattern is the same every time.  All wolves desire to be first or win and reject any authority, except their own authority.  The connection between Satan and Diotrephes is that they are both individuals who hate authority!  Why do they hate authority? It goes back to rebellion against God himself, they hate God.  The wolf wants to feed his own appetites of self-importance.  The wolf wants to win and receive the glory for himself.  A wolf has no interest in being beaten or defeated, he will fight at all costs to the bitter end.  The wolf only sees value in the win or the kill, depending on the fight. Wolves know only one of two options: fight or flight.  And they will not engage in a fight unless they are confident their pack will win.  Wolves can be identified by the carnage they spread; bad attitudes, negativity, division, and bullying tactics.  So stay clear of the wolves, they are one of Satan’s favorite tactics in the local church.

Remembering "Papaw" Everett William Severs

April 13, 1928- February 26, 2015

Everett William Severs, 86, of Knoxville, went home to be with his Lord and Savior February 26, 2015, following extended illness. He was a member of Willow Springs Baptist Church. Gifted with a brilliant mind, Everett worked to ensure Tennesseans enjoyed clean drinking water for many years. After his retirement from Tennessee Association of Utility Districts the “Everett Severs Award” was created and given annually to members who represented excellence in the field of water treatment. Everett was an avid fisherman, rook player, and cook. He loved to prepare a feast for his family and friends. His holiday hams and big fish fries were always a favorite! As he told you his jokes, he laughed harder than anyone in the room while he slapped his knee. As much as Everett loved many things about life and living, he loved his Lord and Savior above all!

Mr. Severs was preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Georgia Severs; three brothers C.W. Severs, Clyde Severs, and Floyd Severs; wife Norma Sue Severs of Andersonville, and daughter Karen Beeler of Fall Branch. He is survived by his brother Ray and wife Ellen Severs of Knoxville;  his daughter Debbie and her husband Jack Tyler of Fall Branch, Tennessee; Son, Chris and wife Lisa Severs of Karns; Son, Jeff and wife Linda Severs of Powell; and Grandchildren Travis and Becki Tyler of Elizabethton, Tiffiney Tyler of Kingsport, Keyla Beeler of Knoxville, Christopher Severs of Jacksonville, North Carolina, Ryan Severs of Knoxville, Jessica Severs and Luke Severs of Powell. He is also survived by several great grandchildren, great nieces and nephews.


The family will receive friends from 12-1:30 pm Monday, March 2, 2015 at Mynatt Funeral Home, 2829 Rennoc Rd, Knoxville, TN 37918, Fountain City Chapel with a funeral service to follow, Rev. Travis Tyler officiating. Family and friends will then proceed to Greenwood cemetery for interment.

"The dead who die in the Lord from now on are blessed."" Yes," says the Spirit, "let them rest from their labors, for their works follow them!" -Revelation 14:13

Is The Church Indestructible?

In a conversation Jesus had with several disciples in Matthew 16, he makes an amazing comment about the church.  Jesus calls the Church “His Church” and gives her a promise of indestructibility.  Jesus says,

“And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the forces of Hades will not overpower it” (Matthew 16:18).

Fast forward to present day, and it is difficult to see this promise kept.  With 80 percent of established churches in the United States either on a plateau or in decline,   it appears that most churches in North America are in various places on a death spiral.  In addition to the churches in plateau and decline, 3500 to 4000 churches die every year in the United States alone.   Dr. Thom Rainer points out that as many as 90 percent of churches across America are showing symptoms of sickness with some close to dying.   With local church experts giving grim statistics as stated above, it appears that the local church is dying across America.  However, Matthew 16:18 tells us things are not what they appear to be.

Jesus made a bold amazing statement in Matthew 16:18 which forever holds true because of the confessional foundation on which the church is built, the fact that the promise is made to the church universal not local churches, and the defense against the tactics of Satan and death.  Satan attacks the church in two ways from the inside and the outside.  We are pressured to conform to external secular standards of gender identity, sexuality, and worldly ethics.  It is difficult to bring a tank down from the outside, so I believe that Satan is most effective from the inside.  He uses people to flood the church with false teaching from false prophets (Matthew 7:15; 7:16), false brothers who cause division in the body (Galatians 2:4), and authority hating wolves who seek only to ravage the church (Acts 20:29).

As I think about the local churches dying, I am reminded that we will lose some battles here, but we do win the war!  As Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 6, we (the church) are constantly dying and yet we live on!  We are regarded by the world as false and yet we are true!  We should also be encouraged that surprisingly large and widespread impact comes from humble, small, and unexpected beginnings like the mustard seed in Matthew 13:31-33.  The local church should be most encouraged by the fact that Jesus Christ holds the keys to the enemy’s house of death and destruction in Revelation 1:18.  Satan’s house of death will always seek to overcome and destroy the house of God, but God always WINS!  Yes, the Church Universal is Indestructible!