The leaders of the Japanese church call this present time in Japan ‘the era of crisis.’ After 150 years with the Protestant church in Japan and now 6o years after World War 2, the believers in Japan are a mere 0.5%. Only a total of 600,000 worshippers. {It is said that our neighbor Korea is at 30%.}
The Christian population in the outlying areas is at a much lower percentage. The Japanese church is getting older. There are fewer middle age to younger age believers. There are even fewer from the youngest ages- high school and younger.
Pastor Toshio Murase of the Japan Presbyterian Church asks this very urgent question. “If we maintain this trend what will become of the Japanese church?”
The problems is not with the gospel of Christ. Pastor Murase wisely points out that we must appeal to the ‘felt needs’ of the people. In this difficult era there are bound to be many people seeking help and salvation. However, Is the Japanese church a refuge?
He gives the most appropriate answer. “Isn’t the answer in the glory of the gospel itself?” In the preaching of gospel, there is forgiveness of sins, eternal life and son-ship. The church that simply receives and proclaims this gospel is thankful for this abundant grace. Thus it is full of joy and love. This is the answer the one seeking salvation is looking for.
He concludes with John 13:34: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” We are to carve into our hearts and obey the command of Christ who is the source of the gospel.
Pict: The picture is of Abundant Life Church, Nagano, Japan. My parents started it, then I followed them for a few years. Now my brother Jon is continuing the work. It is an up hill battle there too.
