A Fading Scene

What is happening in our church buildings? I have struggled for many years over what I have slowly witnessed when attending church services. I don’t usually speak up when I witness these events. I am good at observing, praying, and waiting. Over the last few months, I have been attending churches in Northern Kentucky. Some I visited physically and others I visited online. I ended up planting myself over the last month at Calvary Baptist Church in Latonia. I wasn't attracted to its size or the programs they offer, but I was attracted to the sermons and teachings.

If you follow me, you may remember that I have reminisced about a church I attended when I first started following Christ. We didn't have it all figured out, but the people were genuine. They loved Jesus, and they lived it out the best way possible. I find myself saying, "Oh, those were the days." I don't regret the journey that God put me on, and I try not to look back at something that eventually faded. But occasionally, I will come across a photo or a video of a time that was very sweet and unique.

On Sunday I witnessed something that occurred at the end of the service at Calvary Baptist that really got my attention. It wasn't the sermon. It wasn't the song. It wasn't a feeling or some spiritual high. It wasn't a preacher insisting that people needed to come forward to repent or face the consequence of hell. Instead, it was something that used to be "normal." Something that used to not be strange at all.

It was someone who stepped out from the pew. I couldn't see her face, but I could tell that as she walked the aisle, something was heavy. Maybe it was a burden that she knew only Jesus could carry. As she moved toward the front of the stage, she dropped to her knees and began to pray. She was only there a few seconds, and the pastor dropped down beside her to pray with her. After the pastor stepped away, another person went forward and also prayed with her. It was a sweet moment, but I was sad — not because anything was wrong with this moment, but because it got my attention.

I can't tell you how long it has been since I have seen this happen. So many churches are replacing altars with stages. If you have a prayer or concern, just visit the booth or fill out a card. Have we become ashamed to admit that we are weak? Are we embarrassed to admit that we have sinned and need a Savior? Or maybe there is too much pride for us to bend our knees and pray. What has happened to us? Jesus doesn't call us to compete with the world. As a matter of fact, He calls us to be different (Romans 12:2).

When was the last time you attended a church service and took your request to the altar? Many churches have replaced the altar with a stage and a band. You are encouraged to join a small group or pray in private. Some may say that an altar is no longer necessary because Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice once and for all.

I personally struggle with this concept, and I think that is why this one moment affected me in a strong way. This website is all about praying for each other, carrying each other, and taking our requests to Jesus. There is something about an altar that changes things in a large gathering. I appreciate the pastors I have served under who encouraged people to step forward, whether it be for prayer or for repentance. I don't know who that lady was, but God does. I will pray for her anyway because it was obvious her request was heavy.

Prayer is so important. Not only does Jesus tell us how to pray (Matthew 6:9-13), but He also tells us how it will change our attitude (Philippians 4:6-7). He encourages us to be persistent (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). He even takes the stress off by letting us know that if we don't know what to say, the Holy Spirit will intercede (Romans 8:26).

I leave you with this: Prayer is important. I know I would not be where I am today if someone didn't pray. Are you praying for someone today? Is there something that is burdening you? Has Jesus been second in your life, and do you need to take the next steps with Him? Don't be held back. Take your request to Him today. Even the four friends in Mark 2 didn’t sneak in the back way or hide from the crowd.  They tore off the roof and put their friend in front of Jesus.

Be Bold

Go Forward

We carry each other

-Rooftop Prayer Warrior