As a pastor, I hear (and often make) negative comments about the church in America today. It’s easy to focus on our failings to the neglect of seeing the wonderful work God is doing through his people. And while there are some definite concerns about churches in general, I want to say with great confidence that the Lord’s Church is doing just fine. Let me share reasons for my optimism about the church going forward.

First of all, there is a great host of believers who are still firmly committed to the Scriptures as the final authority in all matters of faith and practice. We may not always live as we should, but we stand without apology for the absolute authority of God’s Word, the Bible.

Secondly, thousands of churches are involved in international missions. Christians from all over America involve themselves in mission trips and projects every year. The Lord is still sending witnesses to the uttermost parts of the earth.

Churches are being planted all over America. Whether storefront or house churches, the Lord’s servants are answering the call to start new ministries in strategic areas. In the future, I would definitely like to see Faith Family plant a church in an area of great need. I’m a firm believer in churches starting churches.

According to research, more young believers are open to mentoring relationships with older Christians. This reflects an appreciation of the value of wisdom, experience and spiritual maturity. This is a very healthy trend, and it's also a blessing to the church, since many older believers want to leave an impact on this world before their time is up.

In spite of the numbers of young people walking away from the church, many others are engaging in ministry. Church consultant Chuck Lawless wrote: “Many young believers are ready to go anywhere, regardless of the cost. I’ve never seen a generation so committed to the nations—particularly to going to the hard places. Their faith challenges mine every day.” This definitely bodes well for the future church.

More and more churches see the need to revitalize. Pastors who’ve been serving a church for many years see the need to break out of their ruts. They understand that unless they change their church may die. So even though it’s a difficult road for many churches, many seem to be headed in that direction.

All of this boils down to one blessed truth: Jesus is building his church just like he said, and the gates of hell cannot prevail against the onslaught of the gospel. So where do you line up in light of these things? Ask yourself, “Am I fully and faithfully serving Jesus through my local church? Am I invested in helping the body of Christ get the gospel out to the lost whether across the street or around the world? Am I using my spiritual gifts and God-given abilities for the edification of my church?