A – Authority
The long-term effects of modernism and postmodernism undermine a commitment to Biblical authority (sola scriptura).
B – Baptist Heritage
A growing acceptance of a generic nondenominational identity threatens the perpetuating of our Biblical distinctives and Baptist legacy.
C – Charismatic Influence
An emphasis on personal experience over Biblical knowledge influences worship, testimonies, and the decision-making process.
D - Dispensationalism
A blurring of the distinction between Israel and the church results in an increasing emphasis on societal reformation and a decreasing emphasis on regeneration.
E - Ethics
A disregard of Biblical authority results in a growing confusion in moral choices within society.
F - Finances
A sluggish economy, shifting job market, and an aging population leave many churches short on funds.
G - Globalism
The possibilities of international partnering among like-minded churches c hanges the paradigm of conventional missions.
H - Hermeneutics
Literary deconstructionism undermines a commitment to determine authorial intent in Biblical interpretation.
I - Individualism
An inability or lack of commitment to work together diminishes the potential of cooperative initiatives in an interdependent fellowship.
J - Judicial Decisions
Court rulings that are contrary to Biblical ethics continue the process of America’s shift into a post-Christian culture.
K - Kerygma
The challenge grows of preaching the Word with relevance in a contemporary culture while remaining true to the text.
L - Literacy
A decrease in Biblical literacy within society in general and churches in particular requires a greater need for entry-level instruction.
M - Multiculturalism
An expansion in cultural diversity in communities forces churches to think like missionaries when designing mission strategies.
N - Networking
Churches face the decision of whom they will work with and how they will cooperate in pursuing their goals.
O - Obscenity
The pervasiveness of pornography and the lack of moral shame in lifestyle practices dull the spiritual passion of the people of God.
P - Polity
A shift to hierarchical governance consolidates the authority in the church in the hands of a few rather t han in the congregation.
Q - Questions
A need abounds for the church to be adequately informed and equipped to contend for the faith in response to culture’s questions.
R - Reverence
An informal approach in worship and ministry creates casualness toward the faith and a growing disregard toward God’s supreme authority.
S - Syncretism
A personalized mixing of religions and lifestyles redefines the content and practices of Christianity.
T - Turnover
A constant c hange in church membership escalates because of members’ job relocation or their lack of long-term allegiance.
U - Universalism
The assumption that everyone will eventually be saved diminishes evangelistic passion and the exclusivity of the gospel.
V - Versions
The debate over acceptable Bible translations creates lines of division among people of otherwise sound doctrinal conviction.
W - Worldliness
Conduct within the church evidences of growing acceptance of the world’s standards and the loss of commitment to personal holiness.
X - Xenophobia
The vestiges of racism and nationalism surface in a reluctance to reach people of differing ethnic backgrounds and a resistance to welcome them into the church.
Y - Youth
A lack of intergenerational acceptance, respect, and intentional mentoring disenfranchises young people.
Z - Zealotry
The fanaticism of extremists in other religions threatens the practice of orthodox Christianity.
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