Where There’s Blayze

In recent years, the future of the church has been a frequent topic of discussion—how we can grow, improve, and, frankly, survive. The statistics are sobering: fewer than half the population of Britain now identifies as Christian, according to the latest census. Meanwhile, Methodism in Britain has seen a nearly 50% decline in membership between 2000 and 2020. If trends continue, the Methodist Church may face near extinction in Britain by the mid-21st century.

These numbers are a wake-up call. They urge us to ask deeper questions about the nature of the church and its role in today’s world. How did we get here? And what does Jesus expect from His church in times like these?

Philadelphia and Laodicea: A Tale of Two Churches

The letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2–3 hold timeless lessons for us. Two of these churches, Philadelphia and Laodicea, offer stark contrasts that are profoundly relevant today.

Philadelphia: Faithful in the Face of Opposition

The church in Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13) receives no rebuke from Jesus. Though they had “little strength,” they remained faithful. They didn’t compromise with the culture around them, despite opposition and persecution.

Philadelphia is described as having “an open door” (3:8), symbolizing opportunities for ministry and the promise of Christ’s abiding presence. This wasn’t a church focused on size, power, or wealth; it was focused on holding fast to Jesus.

One modern example of this kind of perseverance is the story of Charles Simeon, who pastored Trinity Church in Cambridge for 54 years. Despite facing intense opposition, even locked pews to prevent people from hearing him preach, Simeon remained steadfast. He trusted that sustained faithfulness to God’s Word would bear fruit, and indeed, his influence shaped generations of believers.

This is the model of Philadelphia: a church that thrives not because of external power, but because of its unwavering faithfulness to Christ.

Laodicea: Lukewarm and Self-Sufficient

In stark contrast, the church in Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22) receives one of the harshest rebukes in Scripture. They were “lukewarm”, neither fervent nor cold in their faith, and self-reliant to the point of spiritual blindness.

Laodicea was a wealthy city, famous for its banking, textiles, and medicine. The church there mirrored the city’s self-sufficiency, boasting, “I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing” (3:17). But Jesus’ verdict was devastating: “You do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.”

The warning is clear: when the church becomes indistinguishable from the culture around it, it loses its purpose and vitality. History bears this out. By the fourth century, the church in Laodicea had ceased to exist.

Cultural Relevance vs. Faithfulness

In our time, many believe the church’s survival depends on being more “relevant”, whether through trendy worship, polished productions, or aligning with the latest cultural movements. But this approach often misses the point.

As a child, I experienced church services as an outsider. I remember the awkward rituals, the tedious sermons, and the constant pressure to socialize with strangers. None of it brought me closer to Jesus. It felt like a performance, disconnected from genuine spiritual experience.

The letters to Philadelphia and Laodicea challenge us to focus not on superficial appeal, but on spiritual substance. Jesus doesn’t commend Philadelphia for being trendy or culturally savvy; He commends them for being faithful. Conversely, Laodicea’s wealth and comfort masked their spiritual emptiness, a warning for churches tempted to prioritise appearance over authenticity.

What Would Jesus Say to Us?

If Jesus wrote a letter to the church today, what would it say? Would He find us faithful like Philadelphia, or lukewarm like Laodicea?

The answer lies in where we place our trust. Are we relying on programs, strategies, and cultural appeal to grow the church? Or are we depending on Christ, preaching His Word boldly, and living out our faith authentically?

John Wesley once said, “Give me one hundred preachers who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God, and I care not whether they be clergy or lay; such alone will shake the gates of hell and set up the kingdom of heaven on Earth.”

The church doesn’t need gimmicks; it needs people on fire for Jesus. True growth comes not from conforming to the culture, but from standing as a countercultural witness, like Philadelphia.

A Call to Action

The church today faces a choice: will we hold fast to Christ, or will we become lukewarm and irrelevant?

If we want to see renewal, we must be willing to examine ourselves honestly. Are we proclaiming the Gospel with conviction? Are we creating spaces for people to encounter the living Christ? Are we steadfast in our mission, even when it’s challenging or unpopular?

The future of the church doesn’t rest in our hands, it rests in Christ’s. He is the One who opens doors no one can shut and builds His church on a foundation that cannot be shaken. Our job is to remain faithful, trusting in His promise: “To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne” (Revelation 3:21).

Let us be like Philadelphia, faithful, steadfast, and wholly committed to Christ. The world needs churches that burn brightly with His light. Will we answer the call?