To use a somewhat dated expression, it’s “hot off the press.” I am referring to the latest Pew Research Center “Religious Landscape Study.”  This is Pew’s third large-scale “Religious Landscape Study,” involving, in this 2023-2024 survey, 36,908 United States adults.  The first of these “Landscape surveys” was 2007, and the second in 2014.  As a result, we now have, between these three surveys, a thorough and comprehensive picture of U.S. religious trends over the last 17 years.

     To keep this in perspective, Pew has become the preeminent source for this kind of information.  Not even the Gallup organization can compete when it comes to findings and data related to religious life in the United States.  Gallup surveys contact only 1,000 adults.  And unlike Gallup, Pew Research’s survey of just under 37,000 respondents focuses entirely on in-depth questions related to religious affiliation, practices and beliefs.  

     So—now that I have your attention—here is a summary of the results of this latest Religious Landscape Study.

     First, the good news.  Unlike the 2007 and 2014 surveys, this survey indicated that the rate of decline in Americans identifying as Christians is leveling off.  The quote, in the introduction of this Pew report is, “After many years of steady decline, the share of Americans who identify as Christians shows signs of leveling off—at least temporarily—at slightly above six-in-ten…”

     Now the not-so-good news.  This “leveling off” needs to be considered in the context of long-term decline when it comes to…

1. The percentage of Americans who self-identify as Christians;

2. The number of Americans who report they attend church worship services at least once a month (now at only 33% of respondents); and…

3. The fact that the generation most likely to identify as Christian and worship regularly is aging (and dying) Boomers; while younger generations are far less likely to identify as Christians and far more likely to identify as “atheist, agnostic” or as “nothing at all.”

     And one more finding from Pew: When it comes to overall trends since 2007: “There are far fewer Christians and more ‘nones’ among men and women; people in every racial and ethnic category, college graduates and those with less education; and residents of all major regions of the country.”

Oh, and one more quote regarding these downward trends: “The changes are much more pronounced among ideological liberals than (they are among) conservatives.”

     For complete results from this survey you only need to go to the Pew website.

     I realize there might be few (if any) surprises in these survey results and trends.  However, I would like to share some practical strategies for your congregation to consider as it strives to be faithful, effective and relevant in our increasingly secular society.  The suggestions below are based on my work—over decades—working in a coaching role with pastors and lay leaders of over 500 Lutheran congregations.

1. Never forget that when it comes to a congregation’s number of active members, size matters. Implications?  Smaller churches cannot do everything well when it comes to their ministry efforts. Accordingly, they should focus on doing one or two of their ministries really well.  Some examples:

Quality worship (including congregational singing), small discussion-oriented groups (most often Bible studies and/or book studies), and local community service efforts your people can volunteer for.

2. A ministry focus on reaching nesting-stage families is incredibly important.  But it usually “takes families to attract families”.  So if you no longer have any families with children worshiping you might want to focus on one or more of the above strategies.

3. In smaller congregations—especially those worshiping fewer than between 50 and 75 at a given service—be sure to more-often-than-not select congregational hymns and songs that are both popular and familiar.  Otherwise you will have difficulty maintaining your current attendance over the long term.

     Finally, there are two primary ministry strategies that are the most meaningful and effective for congregations of any size.  The first relates to outreach and the second to in-reach and disciple-making.

A. Worship  This is not only about preaching and worship music (see above), but also Sunday-morning hospitality.  The bottomline here is this rule of thumb: The more meaningful your worship life—including congregational singing, preaching and hospitality—the more likely your members will invite friends, and the more likely first-time visitors will return for a second visit.

B. The second suggestion is disciple-making and small groups.  They go together.  The best venue for “making disciples” is small groups.  Here’s a challenge for your congregation: Rather than be satisfied with the number of groups already meeting within your congregation, how about “new groups for new people”?  For example, how about trying to launch at least one new group each year?

     If you would like free printed resources related to either worship ministry or small groups, email me at pastordonbrandt@gmail.com  Unless I happen to be on a trip I will email these resources to you within a few days of you contacting me.

Pastor Don Brandt

Congregations in Transition and Congregational Lay-leadership Initiative

If your church is following the three year lectionary, Lent begins on Ash Wednesday with 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10.  Officially, the pericope begins, “We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Cor 5:20b–5:21, ESV) In light of the fact that he is addressing established Christians, what Paul is obviously driving at here is the ongoing need for even the most committed Christians to realign their lives with the will of God.  “Be reconciled” implies that these already-converted Christian believers are not in a conciliar state with God; in fact, Paul is addressing them for a third time precisely because while claiming Christian identity, they are behaving in ways inimical to God.

At a recent gathering of primarily conservative clergy, I got some hostility but engendered much more fantastic conversation when I brought up the danger of Christianity being coopted by conservative politics. In the end, everyone agreed that Christians need to be on God’s agenda first, offering critique as well as necessarily-conditional support to any ideology, political party or strategy. This is what it means to be “the light of the world” and the “salt of the earth.”

A wise mentor once told me that people’s politics are always influencing their theology, but that the great conversation that is the inner life of the church over time corrects—and when necessary, excises—the errors that people of any given time and place incorporate.  Because of the fractured nature of the Church’s communion and witness, amplified by social media, there is a real danger of these much-needed course corrections being significantly delayed or not even engaged in.

The solution to this is to heed Paul’s words to “be reconciled to God,” which is of course, what the season of Lent is all about. The difference between the orthodox Christian construal of these words and the progressive Christian one is that for the orthodox Christian, the Bible provides the content of what being reconciled to God looks like—a detailed road map for discerning where one’s life is out of sync with the life of the triune God.  Conversely, for the progressive Christian, the Bible provides abstract theological principles, but the content comes from elsewhere, sources deemed more relevant because they are more contemporary, scientific, progressive, or whatever.

The outcome of these two approaches is what yields at least some of the divisions observable in contemporary Christianity, where people united by confessional traditions like Lutheran, Methodist, Catholic, etc. have radically different ideas of what makes for faithful Christian living.  While both agree for the need to reconcile ourselves to God, one group sees God as telling us what would constitute alignment with God, the other believes that God is “just” or “forgiving” or “love,” but asserts that what those words mean is not what Christians have traditionally thought they mean, based on the witness of Scripture.

What this means in practice is that the progressive Christian lacks any tool whereby to critique their own politically-influenced positions, for they have no data by which to evaluate them.  As long as the principles they have gleaned from Scripture seem to be met by the ideologies and morays acceptable within their own narrow cultural conditioning, they are living as God intends and no reconciliation is necessary. Conversely, for the orthodox Christian, while perceiving one’s own biases is always notoriously hard, the Scriptures provide actual canons against which to measure cultural assumptions and political prescriptions… and the exhortation to do so.

Paul goes on, “Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain.” It is important that we not consign the persistent warnings of the New Testament about spiritual disqualification to the dustbin based on our theological principles, no matter how venerable or new. We can receive the grace of God in vain, and only the lifetime of persistent Christian repentance (realignment) that Luther called for in the first article of the 95 Theses can stave off that terrifying reality. So, since we cannot hope to be perfected in theology, holiness, or piety, let us be perfected in repentance, and let the Scriptures dictate to us what that should look like… furthermore, let us start today. “For [God] says, ‘In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.’ Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Cor 6:1–2, ESV)

“But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go work today in the vineyard.’  But he replied, ‘I do not want to.’ Yet afterward he regretted it and went” (Matthew 21:28).

Each of us has opportunity to live under the authority of the Lord.  We either will or we will not.  Some do so sooner and others later.  Some, no matter what they say, will not at all.  The point is that it is better to obey.  Will the knowledge of the Lord be the truth by which you live? Later is better than not at all.  Do not live by regrets, but let regrets move you from where You are to where you need to be.

Lord, I am often confused, and I am not sure in which direction to turn.  Help me to live into the life You have offered me. Lead me to the place where I look to follow You where You lead.  Where I have not felt like it, help me to not be governed by my feelings, but led by the truth of Your word.  Grant that I would begin to understand Your justice and practice what You teach me.

Thank You Lord Jesus for graciously dealing with all of us.  You meet each of us where we are but do not leave us there.  Guide me in the light of truth You have revealed to not be guided by my feelings, but by You who is the author and finisher of my faith.  Lead me in Your goodness to live out this life of faith which You have given me, doing what You give me to do.  Help me on each step of the way and save me from indifference.  Amen.

“And answering Jesus, they said, “We do not know.” He also said to them, “Neither am I telling you by what authority I do these things” (Matthew 21:27).

Do not put the Lord to the test.  He is under no obligation to answer your questions.  Our Lord is gracious and kind but does not owe us anything.  There are many things we do not know and many things we do not need to know.  Be guided by the goodness of the Lord and humbly walk in the way He will lead you.  All authority is from the Lord.  Walk under His authority.

Lord, this age does not respect authority.  Many assume authority but forget that we live because the You have given us life.  You are the source of all life. You are above all.  Starting from that simple understanding, we can know that everyone else has a lesser authority because You grant it.  For a time, in this age, there are those who abuse it; but that does not mean that ultimately it is still not Yours.

Lord Jesus, I see what You said as clever, but You were just telling the truth.  Many are unable to comprehend the truth.  Guide me, Lord, so that I understand that all things are in Your hands.  Lead me in this understanding always so that I humbly walk under Your authority.  Help me to look to You, the author and source of life, for all things.  Help me not to ask questions so much as live out the answers You have already given.  Amen.

Scripture:

Luke 4:1-13

Script:

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Welcome! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy. Ready? One, two, three: Good morning, Sammy!

Sammy: Good morning, everyone! Hey Pastor do you have a favorite food to eat?

Pastor: Yes Sammy I do. I like to eat insert favorite food here. I can’t get enough of it. What do you like to eat Sammy?

Sammy: I really enjoy hay. I can eat up to two pounds per day. I also love eating in the pasture. I would eat all day if I could.

Pastor: Where do you put it all Sammy? You are such a little lamb.

Sammy: I have four chambers in my stomach. So, I always have extra room for more food!

Pastor: Boys and girls, what are your favorite foods to eat?

Give time for the kids to answer

Sammy: Pastor. What does Jesus mean that man shall not live on bread alone? Does that mean we should be eating a lot of different foods?

Pastor: Jesus is not talking about eating different foods. He is saying that food is not what gives us life. He is quoting Moses in the book of Duet. Chapter 8, “man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.”

Sammy: Okay but how do words help us live? Don’t we need food?

Pastor: Moses point was not that food was not important, it is. But trust in the lord is more important. God created us with his word and now he sustains us with his word.

Sammy: So, if we follow God always, we will always know where to go?

Pastor: That is right Sammy. Boys and girls, can you fold your hands and bow your heads in prayer? Dear Jesus, thank you for guiding us with your word. Thank you for leading us away from trouble and always leading us to you. In Jesus name we pray. Amen!

“The baptism of John was from what source: from heaven or from men?” And they began considering the implications among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say to us, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’  But if we say, ‘From men,’ we fear the people; for they all regard John as a prophet” (Matthew 21:25).

The way of the world seems to always fall into the ultimate trap of believing either partial truth or perpetrated lies.  But for the wicked, there is a prejudice against the truth.  This is reinforced by peer pressure.  Fear drives in this age, but we are to fear God above all other things.  Do not fall for the trap of one-or-the-other but seek truth.  Truth is Jesus who has come to lead us into all truth.

Lord, it is no different in our time.  The talking heads waffle between two positions.  Fear of the crowds drive many in our day.  It has affected me.  Lead me to be the person You are making me to be.  Guide me in Your goodness and mercy so that I may humbly hold fast to the truths which You have spoken.  Lord, You have given me hope and a future.  Help me learn how to live by hope toward the future which is in You.

Lord Jesus, You have descended from heaven so that where You are I may also be.  You have immersed me in Your love and called for me to always follow You.  You have told me that I would suffer in this world because of it.  Help me to follow You all the days of my life and to walk in humble obedience through every situation I encounter.  Guide me, Lord, in the way You know I need to go.  Amen.

“But Jesus responded and said to them, “I will also ask you one question, which, if you tell Me, I will also tell you by what authority I do these things” (Matthew 21:24).

Jesus was never tricked by snares of the wicked.  If we look to the Lord and listen to His counsel, we can avoid being tricked by those who are always setting traps.  We do not need to figure everything out, but we do need to stand firm against untruth.  This age is filled with the deceived and deceivers.  Jesus humbly speaks truth.  He loves us and will not stop until those called believe are in His love.

Lord, I do not like contention, but the world is contentious.  Help me to learn how to be humble but stand firm against the wicked who seek to deceive.  Let me stand up against constant questions and hold fast to the truth You have revealed.  Guide me, Lord, in the way to think and act so that when confronted, I know how to respond.  Teach me how to answer questions as You did.

Lord Jesus, You have questioned me.  Help me to answer Your questions with my life.  Take me out of the way this world thinks so that I may learn to think as You created me to think.  Guide me so that I humbly walk the path You have set before me.  Through all things, teach me how to be aware and alert.  Lord, You have given me the words of eternal life.  Help me to live them now and always.  Amen.

“When He entered the temple area, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to Him while He was teaching, and said, “By what authority are You doing these things, and who gave You this authority?” (Matthew 21:23)

We do not seem to be concerned with this question anymore.  “By what authority?”  Our culture reinforces that we are an authority unto ourselves.  I think this way and so it must be.  But Jesus was doing things with power and authority, and they were asking, “by what authority is this done?”  The truth is, by the only power there really is, the authority of God.  We pretend we have power, but God Almighty has all power and authority.

Lord, teach me what authority means.  Help me to respect authority.  All authority comes from You.  You are the source of all power.  Lead me away from this world’s self-centeredness and into the light of truth which is You.  Help me to stop questioning truth and to learn how to question all of the lies of this age.  Lead me ever more deeply into the truth of who You are and the authority in which You say and do things.

Lord Jesus, You were constantly questioned and confronted.  Help me to be unmoving in the questions and confrontations against my faith that happen in this world.  Help me to stand firm in faith knowing that all things are truly in Your hands.  Guide me, Lord, to live under Your authority.  Teach me to respect all authority knowing that it comes from You.  Teach me how to live under Your authority.  Amen.

“Seeing this, the disciples were amazed and asked, “How did the fig tree wither all at once?”  And Jesus answered and said to them, “Truly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ it will happen.  And whatever you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive it all” (Matthew 21:20-22).

The author and finisher of our faith is more than able to either wither us like the fig tree or make us able to do what He commands.  Our doubts and fears get in the way, but the One who commanded each star to stay its course will make of us what He will.  Do not tarry but look to the One who is the author of your faith and be led by Him.  He will make of You what He will, but you and I have our part in willingly receiving what He gives.

Lord, I look at these things and I think in terms of human limitations and not in terms of who You are.  Take me out of myself to be willing to receive whatever You give me.  Guide me in Your goodness so that I speak what You would have me speak and do what You would have me do.  Through all things, let me never forget that You are the One through whom all things have their being.

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for not letting me rest in my own reasoning.  Help me to see Your hand upon all things and know that the Father will work all things together for good according to Your Holy and Triune purpose.  Help me to be amazed by Your love and expect that You will do good things through and around me.  Help me to keep my eyes upon You and what You are doing.  Amen.

The Prayers of the Church, The Resurrection of Our Lord, April 20, 2025, Cycle C

Easter Sunrise Lessons:

Job 19:23-27 (I know that my Redeemer lives!)

Psalm 118:15-29 (The right hand of the Lord has triumphed; this is the Lord’s doing;

 this is the day the Lord has made)

1 Corinthians 15:51-57 (we shall not all die, but we shall all be changed;

the trumpet shall sound and the dead shall be raised incorruptible)

John 20:1-18 (the women at the tomb; Peter and John; Mary Magdalene and Jesus)

Easter Day Lessons:

Isaiah 65:17-25 (God promises new heaven and earth; people will live long and prosper;

 nothing shall hurt or destroy on his holy mountain)

Psalm 16 (you do not give me up to Sheol, nor let your holy one see the Pit)

ELW/RCL: Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 (Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; I shall not die but live, and declare the works of the Lord)

1 Corinthians 15:19-26 (if Christ not raised, we are fools; but he has been raised, as shall we be!)

Luke 24:1-12 (the women at the empty tomb)

Hymn selections are for main services of the day, not the sunrise service

Opening Hymn: Jesus Christ is Risen Today: LBW #151, ELW #365, LSB #457

Hymn of the Day: Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands: LBW #134, ELW #370, LSB #458

                OR Good Christian Friends, Rejoice and Sing (NOT the Christmas hymn of nearly the same name! 😉):  LBW #144, ELW #385, LSB #475

Communion Hymn #1: Alleluia, Alleluia, Give Thanks to the Living Lord:  WOV #671,

OR Alleluia! Jesus is Risen: WOV #674, ELW #377, LSB #474

Communion Hymn #2: I Know that My Redeemer Lives: LBW #352, ELW #619, LSB #461

Closing Hymn: Christ is Risen! Alleluia!: LBW #131, ELW #382

Let us pray to our risen Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

You have done gloriously, O Lord Jesus; you have risen victorious over our ancient foes – sin, death, and the devil. When this seems too good to be true, show us your wounded hands and side, and renew our faith. Fill us with the Holy Spirit, so we may believe, proclaim, share, and live this truth: that because death has no dominion over you, it shall not have dominion over anyone whom you have redeemed.

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

This day, your Church is adorned with beauty. Adorn it also, dear Lord, with your holiness and love. Make it resplendent with faith, hope, and charity. Clothe it in righteousness and truth. Make its worship a foretaste of your eternal marriage feast, shared with all who come in repentant faith.

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Keep close to your heart all Christians who suffer persecution even on this holy day. Grant them the joy of your saving help. Purge the leaven of hatred from their tormentors. Hasten the day when together they adore you, their Lord and God.

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Crown this congregation with joy, kindness, and praise for your victorious love. Give us grace to share the hope that is within us with gentleness and respect.

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Graciously bless the guests and visitors among us this day. Kindle the hearts of those who do not yet believe that you have conquered sin and death in your own body. Grant them faith to know that you live to bestow upon them eternal life, forgiveness, and peace.

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Let peace and righteousness kiss; let mercy and healing overflow; and let wisdom and faith abound throughout the world. Bestow joy, comfort and wholeness upon all people, especially those afflicted by human malice or natural catastrophe; and bring us all into a right relationship with you forever.

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Keep safe all who risk their lives on behalf of others. Equip them with the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the sandals of peace, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. Heal them when they fall. Fill their loved ones with confidence in your triumph over every foe.

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Raise up all who sit in the shadows of pain, sorrow, and death. Bring comfort and forgiveness to those who cry out for mercy, especially those we name before you now: {List}. Impart your life and love to them, so they may join us in the Psalmist’s words, “I shall not die but live, and declare the works of the Lord!”

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

O risen Lord Jesus, those who died trusting you already experience that Easter morning that knows no end. Wipe away our tears, banish our doubts, and fill us with courage and joy. “Lord Jesus, from all evil forever make us free – from sin and from the devil, and all adversity; from sickness, pain and sadness, from troubles, cares and fears; and grant us heavenly gladness, and wipe away our tears. O, let us see in glory, your blest, redeeming face; and sing the old, old story of your amazing grace. Join us, with angels’ voices, and saints, from great to least, ‘til all the world rejoices, and with you, keeps the feast!”

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Grant to us all that is in accordance with your will, dear Jesus, and accomplish your salvation among us; for you are risen from the dead and dwell in majesty with your Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.