
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or


In 2009, Facebook introduced the “like” button, and Twitter added the “retweet” feature. It is easy to think that the more people like us, the more successful our lives must be. Likewise, it is easy to believe the more people like a church, the more successful it is. But popularity does not equal success. While the gospel and its messengers may sometimes be popular, that is never the goal. A church that prioritizes self-improvement, healing, or social justice may attract a crowd but misses its true mission. Christ set the agenda for His Church: preaching and teaching the gospel of forgiveness. That remains our focus.
By Bethel/Grace Lutheran ChurchesIn 2009, Facebook introduced the “like” button, and Twitter added the “retweet” feature. It is easy to think that the more people like us, the more successful our lives must be. Likewise, it is easy to believe the more people like a church, the more successful it is. But popularity does not equal success. While the gospel and its messengers may sometimes be popular, that is never the goal. A church that prioritizes self-improvement, healing, or social justice may attract a crowd but misses its true mission. Christ set the agenda for His Church: preaching and teaching the gospel of forgiveness. That remains our focus.