The Kings Speech
by David Arrol Macfarlane
Diana and I just watched "The King's Speech" a blockbuster movie
about the events surrounding King Edward the VIII giving up his right to the British throne in 1936 in one of history's most famous abdications. This excellent
film shows Edward's younger brother having to reluctantly take over as King George VI and the movie follows his struggles to overcome a serious speech impediment to become a great leader during the dark days of WWII. The word
"abdicate" means to willingly renounce or give up what is yours, to resign or disown. On a spiritual level this is what I witness most Canadian Christians doing today. We see the result of this "gospel abdication"
unfolding as the percentage of believers in this nation is on a free fall, church attendance continues on its precipitous decline, and the fastest growing spiritual trends in our nation are "no religion" and eastern religions. In all this, where are the evangelical Christians? Like King Edward, who preferred his own interests to that of his country, we too have
abdicated.
Yes, I do see some churches growing primarily through evangelism - helping people surrender their lives to Christ for the first time and become growing disciples - but they are the exception. From my travels, speaking
trans-denominationally over 200 times a year across Canada, I see that, unfortunately, most congregations are stalled or declining and those who are growing mostly do so by offering programs that attract Christians from other
churches to theirs. Some call this the "circulation of the saints". The bottom line is that there is no net gain for the Kingdom. Canada continues to lose the gospel.
Ironically, our King also gave a famous speech, not in 1936 when George VI had to take over from his brother Edward, but 2000 years ago. In his speech too, our King, Jesus, also called his people to prepare for battle. To Christians around the world that are doing all they can to successfully reach people for Christ this speech is known as "the great commission"
(Mathew 28: 16-20) - our reason for existence.
The good news is that there is a fresh interest among many Canadian church leaders towards evangelism. I am receiving more invitations than ever from congregations wanting to develop new strategies to become increasingly externally focused and motivated plus equipped for effective evangelism and discipleship in today's Canadian context. This trend is extremely encouraging.
Like King George VI, who felt unprepared and unqualified for his role yet, with a sense of calling and duty, became a great leader affecting the future of the United Kingdom we too can "step up to the plate" when others abdicate
around us. As individual Christians and churches with a passionate heart for the Lord and His mission we will discover that, with the Holy Spirit's help, we can see Canada impacted by the good news of the gospel from sea to sea.
To book David to speak at an event:
e-mail: arrol.mac@hotmail.com
Cell: 519 503 8380
film shows Edward's younger brother having to reluctantly take over as King George VI and the movie follows his struggles to overcome a serious speech impediment to become a great leader during the dark days of WWII. The word
"abdicate" means to willingly renounce or give up what is yours, to resign or disown. On a spiritual level this is what I witness most Canadian Christians doing today. We see the result of this "gospel abdication"
unfolding as the percentage of believers in this nation is on a free fall, church attendance continues on its precipitous decline, and the fastest growing spiritual trends in our nation are "no religion" and eastern religions. In all this, where are the evangelical Christians? Like King Edward, who preferred his own interests to that of his country, we too have
abdicated.
Yes, I do see some churches growing primarily through evangelism - helping people surrender their lives to Christ for the first time and become growing disciples - but they are the exception. From my travels, speaking
trans-denominationally over 200 times a year across Canada, I see that, unfortunately, most congregations are stalled or declining and those who are growing mostly do so by offering programs that attract Christians from other
churches to theirs. Some call this the "circulation of the saints". The bottom line is that there is no net gain for the Kingdom. Canada continues to lose the gospel.
Ironically, our King also gave a famous speech, not in 1936 when George VI had to take over from his brother Edward, but 2000 years ago. In his speech too, our King, Jesus, also called his people to prepare for battle. To Christians around the world that are doing all they can to successfully reach people for Christ this speech is known as "the great commission"
(Mathew 28: 16-20) - our reason for existence.
The good news is that there is a fresh interest among many Canadian church leaders towards evangelism. I am receiving more invitations than ever from congregations wanting to develop new strategies to become increasingly externally focused and motivated plus equipped for effective evangelism and discipleship in today's Canadian context. This trend is extremely encouraging.
Like King George VI, who felt unprepared and unqualified for his role yet, with a sense of calling and duty, became a great leader affecting the future of the United Kingdom we too can "step up to the plate" when others abdicate
around us. As individual Christians and churches with a passionate heart for the Lord and His mission we will discover that, with the Holy Spirit's help, we can see Canada impacted by the good news of the gospel from sea to sea.
To book David to speak at an event:
e-mail: arrol.mac@hotmail.com
Cell: 519 503 8380
