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Intention

To recommit ourselves to sharing the gospel and raising godly families, focussing on fathers, so that we can rebuild the Church for the good of the nation.

Scripture

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance.

“From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind; From his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth. He who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do.

“No king is saved by the size of his army, no warrior escapes by his great strength. A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save.

“But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive.”

– Psalm 33:12–19

Reflection

The Western world has seen a devasting drop in the percentage of Christians in the population. Societies have continued to secularise over the past several decades – with little indication of a reversal.

But there are now indications this downward trend may be stagnating. And even stopping.

A recent study found that in the USA from 2109–2023, the percentage of the ‘non-religious’ had stabilised after decades of dramatic increase.

Perhaps this signals an opportunity to recommit and rebuild after the ‘Great De-Churching’. Could there be an openness to spirituality that didn’t exist even last decade? And that as a result, the gospel has a renewed prospect of taking root?

But to rebuild, and to prevent future losses as we raise a new generation in a humbler Church, we need to understand when and why the ‘non-religious’ left.

Those who grew up Christian but left the faith tended to leave the Church fast and early. Three-quarters left their childhood faith by age 25, a majority between their 15th and 25th birthdays.

The most popular reason they cite for de-converting is “religious hypocrisy”. Those who said “religion doesn’t make sense” came in at a distant second.

The influence of the parents is paramount. Those who had a non-Christian or spiritually disengaged father were much more likely to de-convert than those who had the same experience with their mother. Dad’s faith – or lack thereof – has an outsized influence on the beliefs of his children.

During the 2010s, churches lost a huge number of mostly young people who were unlikely to have fathers committed to the faith. These same young people say they were put off by religious hypocrisy and came to their decisions relatively quickly. Significantly, they didn’t convert to something else, but instead regard themselves “as nothing in particular”.

As we raise a new generation of Christians, we should pay special attention to those crucial years between 15 and 25. This means helping them understand why their faith matters, what it teaches, and why Christianity best answers the deep, spiritual and life questions.

It also means redoubling our commitment to the family – especially fathers – as a lynchpin of Christian training. Children who lack a stable sense that theirs is a Christian household are most vulnerable to drifting away from the Church. We can then hope for a ‘great re-churching’ and a blessed nation.

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Prayer

Our Father in Heaven, we lift our nation before You, recognising that blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.

As You watch over all mankind, we ask for Your guidance and wisdom. Strengthen Your Church, Lord, and awaken our hearts to see the urgency of raising the next generation in faith.

Let us, especially fathers, reflect Your love and truth in our families, so that our children may know the richness of Your love and grace.

In a world that has drifted from You, we pray for a great reawakening. Help us to rebuild, share the gospel, and stand firm in the truth of Your Word, trusting in Your unfailing love and promises.

In that great and mighty name of our Lord Jesus, Amen.

Author Bio

Peter Downie is the national director of FamilyVoice Australia, a Christian voice promoting true family values for the benefit of all Australians. Its vision is to see strong families at the heart of a healthy society: where marriage is honoured, human life is respected, families can flourish, Australia’s Christian heritage is valued and fundamental freedoms are enjoyed.

Prayer Points and Purpose for October 2024

1. Revival and restoration of sexual integrity to renew the individual, revitalise marriages, restore families and protect children. Hebrews 13:4
2. Revival, repentance and reformation of Australia. 2 Chronicles 7:14
3. Revival, repentance and reformation of America. 2 Chronicles 7:14
4. The Lamb that was slain may receive a reward for His suffering. Revelation 5:12

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