Summary: The message of Christ MUST stay the same but the means of sharing that message can and should change over time. We are free to change HOW we share the unchanging message of Jesus Christ.
Churches die for one of two reasons: They change that which should NEVER change or they are unwilling to change that which they are free to change. Some churches have changed the message and watered down the truths of scripture. They have altered the Gospel message, thinking this will reach more people. They have changed that which ought to stay the same.
Some churches, however, have rightly retained the message of Christ but refuse to change their methods of sharing that unchanging message. Some churches seem to be married to their methods and are quickly losing their influence. The message of Christ must stay the same but the means of sharing that message can and should change over time. We are free to change HOW we share the unchanging message of Jesus Christ.
There has been a paradigm shift slowly taking place in the church today. This has been slowly happening in many churches across the land. This shift in how we present the unchanging message of Jesus Christ is allowing the church to regain her position of influence and regain her voice. I am certainly NOT calling for an alteration of the message of Salvation through Jesus Christ. I am, however, calling for a reexamination of the method we use to bring about a conversation surrounding Salvation.
Are you willing to reexamine your methods? Are you willing to reassess how you have been going about reaching the lost?