Throughout Church history, our metal of unity has been tested and tried. Schisms and division litter the pages of our collective story. Theologians debate. Scholars argue. Pastors pontificate. Members walk away in the midst of disagreements. To be honest, we have not been the most cooperative or conciliatory crew. The Church of the Lord Jesus stands today battered and bruised. Sadly, most of our wounds have been self-inflicted. But at the end of the day, we are, alive, well and ornery as ever, ready to fight (with each other) another day.

However, there are some things on the horizon that tend to concern this writer about new and present enemies to our unity. Doctrinal issues, pragmatic philosophies and cultural influences pose a real threat. Yet we have seen many, if not all of those potential dividers come our way in different manifestations in the past. I am reminded of what Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3, when he warned his young minister and beloved companion Timothy, “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.” (2 Timothy 3:1) The word “times” can be translated “seasons or eras.” The fact is, the Church has gone through many different dangerous seasons and we got through it. Sometimes, we became stronger for it. But sadly, each of those heretical or conflict-ridden eras left residual effects on the church…but we got through it. So, what am I worried about? Why am I uncertain about this future?

To be direct and to the point, I am not sure those in leadership today will be able to handle the trouble that is brewing. The leaders of this generation are ill-prepared to handle the pending challenges. I know what you are thinking, every passing generation says that about the following one. We whine that they won’t have the “stuff” like we had to handle the pressures and problems. I don’t want to be that old, cranky senior moaning about the new guy on the block, however this generation is different. There are some very tangible and identifiable things missing in the grit and souls and minds of the new generation of leaders. Combine that with the reality that many of the “old horses,” that have been pulling the sled for decades, are now entering into glory. We are in a vulnerable time as the evangelical church…