Kathy — I believe we are in a transition moving from a religious mindset that views church as meetings that satisfy an obligation to God to realizing we are all sons of God gathering to be effectual, by living our lifetime demonstrating His Kingdom come and will being done on earth as it is in heaven. This is not a new transition. It’s just a time of greater momentum with more obvious results and changes. The yeast is spreading, permeating our understanding. (Matt. 13:33)

       So many challenges church leaders are facing are signals of how much this transition is needed: finances decreasing, the same number of broken families in church as out, local churches losing respect and influence in the community and people losing motivation to be a part of the local church. Rather than be discouraged, we can take these things as a sign that this is time to take new ground. If we will move from traditional expectations and limitations to sonship, we’ll move into the empowerment of relationship where people are no longer just members of a church but Sons of God gathering to strengthen and equip and be enabled to serve their place of purpose and calling in life.