Pastor Tony Evans Calls Out "Cultural" Christians
Pastor and President of The Urban Alternative Tony Evans is challenging Christians to consider if they are just “cultural” Christians or if they are “biblical” Christians.
In an interview with the Christian Post, he expressed his thoughts about the declining biblical worldview of both Christians and Christian leadership, especially Christians in their 20s and younger.
Pastor Evans said that it’s important to speak in the language to which people are listening today, find ways to build relationships, and be relevant when connecting to people today; especially young people.
In addition, consider which social media platforms and what types of technology they are using, and how to use biblical ways to meet the felt needs that will resonate with them.
He adds that, “… their generation is so relationally driven, we want to provide points of connectivity … they’re so engaged in improving things … in the culture, this gives them a tool they can use to make a difference while they’re sharing their faith.”
There has been an alarming, ongoing decline in the church that is a clear reflection that Christians overall have become more cultural than biblical.
A Barna report in May reveals that only about 37 percent of Christian pastors overall have a biblical worldview today. Even more concerning is that in that same article, it’s reported that only 2 percent of parents of preteens hold a biblical worldview, 2 percent of men, 4 percent of women, 2 percent of blacks, less than one-half of one percent of Hispanics and less than 1 percent of those identifying as LGBTQ.
With regard to Children’s and Youth Pastors specifically, only 12 percent of them have a biblical worldview.
Back in 2004, Barna reported that 51 percent of Protestant pastors nationwide held a biblical worldview, and only 9 percent of all born again adults.
Pastor Evans issues a challenge to pastors to, “… stay tethered to the Word and their relationship to the Lord as their primary goal, because ministry can become a God within itself; it can become your idol.”
“The more the true God of the Bible is marginalized the more chaotic things become … America needs to turn to God in hopes that He will reserve our course, and restore our union to His definition of what a nation is to be when it operates under his rule. Such a restoration must be led by His church; for God will not skip the church house in order to change the White House (Ephesians 3:10),” Pastor Evans said in his blog.
