Inspiring the Church to Know, Grow, and Go!

This blog post is Part 2 of a series entitled "State of the Church" by Pastor Jeffrey Dean Smith of Donelson First in Nashville, TN. 

Message Date: October 1, 2023

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The Church has so very much work to do to help others see: Jesus is exactly who the world needs. Not a denomination. Not merely a religion. Only Jesus.

When I arrived three years ago, I thought a very long time about the mission of Donelson First. I too thought about creating a Mission Statement that would clearly and succinctly communicate the heart of this church!

The mission of Donelson First: To inspire people to know, grow, and go in Jesus.

I had someone from the Southern Baptist Convention visit our church early on and, after hearing about our mission statement, he told me over lunch, with sarcasm in his voice: That’s a pretty simple mission statement. Don’t you want something more eloquent? I told him, “No! This mission statement describes exactly who we are at Donelson First!” We want you to “know” who Jesus is as Savior. We want you to “grow” in your knowledge of Him. This is why we immerse ourselves into such deep dives of the Word each week. And ultimately, we want you to then “go” and share about Jesus with those in your circle of influence.

What I think is the most important part of this mission statement is a part that many often omit. It’s the first part... the first three words of the Mission Statement: To - inspire - people!

I wonder if there has been someone in your life who has inspired you; someone who has spoken into your life in a way in which you were left in awe or motivated to act or so enriched by this person’s words or actions that you were forced to carry it forward and then go to inspire another? There is a woman who inspired me 48 years ago. I’ve never forgotten her words: This woman was my first-grade teacher, Mrs. Makenzie. She told me one day, “Jeffrey, you could stand up right now and ask this class to walk out of this classroom with you, and they would follow you! Use this gift for good! You can be whatever you choose." Of course, then there was my second-grade teacher, Mrs. Coleman, who inspired me to hold my tongue! She once paddled me for talking in the cafeteria line! My third-grade teacher, Mrs. Tolbert, inspired me to write my name in cursive. And then there is my fourth-grade teacher. Mrs. Collins... “Tell your parents... it’s time you start wearing deodorant!” I’ve never forgotten to wear my deodorant... and I’ve never forgotten the inspiration Mrs. Mackenzie gave me to be whatever I choose! This is true inspiration! This is what true inspiration is – not just a feel-good experience that makes you smile. Instead,

Inspiration stirs within the recipient of such to the point of action.

I know through the 48 years since, Mrs. Mackenzie’s words have rang clear in my heart inspiring me to press on!

To inspire people. Inspire / English/ verb = to arouse within; to initiate a response.

Here is my hope for each of you: As I immerse myself into the Donelson First way, I become spiritually aroused to the point of initiating conversation with others about the person of Jesus Christ and the community of His followers. This is what we want for you. Do you want this for you and your family? I want to give you this prayer that you begin to pray for yourself and for your family: 

God, I ask that during my time at Donelson First each week you stimulate within me such a spiritual arousal to the point of initiating a response of which I cannot contain. Amen!

As we talk today about the State of Donelson First, let’s begin doing so through the lens of cultural reality. Here’s a snapshot of culture and how it is impacting the Church:

The Top 10 New Normal (of society + the Church) 

1. The direction of a pro-family, pro-life, pro-marriage culture has made a sharp turn away from the holy Scriptures.

The biblical definition of marriage and family is being re-written over and again via varying platforms including countless TV shows, in movies, on the stage, and in music. We know this. We have previously studied this. The biblical teachings of marriage, sex, gender identity, and love are under incessant attack.

And here is what is clearly true and should greatly concern the Church: Anyone who holds to biblical teachings about marriage, sex, gender identity, and love appear to be forced into cultural irrelevancy. The simple evidence of such: A continual decline in church attendance among Millennials, Gen Z and Gen Alpha.

2. The health system is sick.

6,958,499 people globally have died since March 2020 due to Covid-19 & related complications. Our health workers are more stressed than ever having to see such sickness and death.

3. Many Christians are no longer convinced church is worth it.

Americans Christians say:  

• “I am tired of church.”  48% of churchgoers. Barna Research Group / Church Trends / www.barna.com / 23.09.26.
• “I attend church "out of obligation” 27% of churchgoers. Barna Research Group / Church Trends / www.barna.com / 23.09.26.  
• “I attend church “out of habit.” 35% of churchgoers. Barna Research Group / Church Trends / www.barna.com / 23.09.26.

4. The economy is volatile.

People are making less. Spending less. Saving less. Until recently, the highest average gas price per gallon on record hit $3.64/gallon in 2012. In 2023, gas prices soared the highest they have ever been – up 49% in the last year. Presently, the national average of gas in America is at $3.88/gallon. Over the last 12 months, grocery prices are up almost 5% - the largest annual increase since the year ending in March 1979. Everything from growing to transporting to purchasing food has become more expensive: A bag of chips now averages $6.28. Eggs now cost close to $4. Milk is $4.31/gallon. The price of wheat is up 110%.

5. America is angry.
America is divided. A volatile health system. A volatile economy. Chaos. Fighting. Riots. Hatred. Mass bombings. Mass shootings. We are truly a fractured people and a nation.

6. Most Christians under the age of 40 view church membership as unnecessary.

Barna Research Group states that not only is church membership declining among all denominations, it too has seen a drastic down-tick among the younger generation attending church. And of those who are, even few are joining the Church in membership. For the first time in the history of our nation, a majority of American’s no longer believe that consistently attending Church is a beneficial need. 

7. Complainers are becoming good at complaining.
A post-Covid world has become a critical one. Most people complain. Most people judge other people. Most people nit-pick and point fingers at the most elementary of things. Many people have become critics in part due to their frustration and sorrow over so much loss.

The effects are obvious and quite interesting, as documented in this recent Harvard Business School article on negativity: Complaining has psychological effects. Through the repetition of bad, sad, mad and powerless feelings, the neurotransmitters in the brain can go through a neural “rewiring,” which reinforces negative thought patterns, making it easier for unhappy thoughts to repeat themselves and leaving little room for the more positive feelings of gratitude, appreciation, and well-being. A continuous cycle of negative thoughts may even cause damage to the hippocampus, the part of the brain used for problem solving and cognitive functioning. Over time, complainers become negativity addicts, attracted to the drama that comes with a complaining attitude.

Complainers are also prone to black-and-white thinking. Compromise isn’t part of the equation. Complainers begin to only see problems instead of solutions, making it very difficult to work with them. Given their negativity, it is hard for them to make decisions and solve problems. Ironically, complaining about things creates more things of which to complain. Harvard Business School / www.hbr.org / 23.09.26

An addendum to Top Ten #7:

The most critical people of the Church is often the Church.

Because we have become such an opinionated culture, (social media has fueled this), Christians have become more critical than ever of the Church. Many want attention. Many expect special attention. Many want their way... this is human nature. But when many don’t get what they want, complaining usually follows. 

Many church folk have become consumed with tradition and comfort. Simply... idols are hard to lay down. The result is that much of what is perceived as an inconvenience or causes me discomfort is often met with a swift critique.

Choosing to think positive and choosing to hold one’s words when a negative comment comes to mind is an exercise that has become increasingly difficult to master. The result is that most people think negatively and most say exactly what is on their mind regardless of the effect or impact such words will have on another.

8. There is increasing anxiety over anxiety.

The Guardian reported this week there is a 46% increase from one year ago of people who are now reporting having anxiety, depression, & suicidal thoughts. People are actually telling their doctors that they are stressed about their stress!

27% of people say: "I am so stressed I cannot function." 
American Psychological Association / www.apa.org / 23.09.26

A new study conducted by The Harris Poll reveals: More than three-quarters of adults (76 percent) say, “I struggle with feelings of anxiousness daily.” The same study reveals that the use of social media is fueling much of America’s anxiety. The Guardian / The Harris Poll / www.apa.org / 23.09.26

9. Religion > Relationship.

There are many religions. There are many religious people. However, many churches and people are becoming increasingly less interested in a relationship with Jesus. Why is this true? Because…Religion is easy. Religion is safe. A relationship takes effort. A relationship requires work. A relationship demands accountability. Christianity requires a choice to either follow or deny the person of Jesus Christ. As a result...

10. Anything goes about beliefs.

• 6 in 10 people believe everyone eventually goes to heaven.
• Two-thirds people say, “God accepts worship of all faiths including Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.”
• 51% of people do not believe that Jesus is God.
• Less than 48% believe the Bible is accurate and without fault.
• Only 64% of people believe that Jesus rose from the dead.
• Less than 50% of Americans believe sex outside of marriage is wrong.
• Less than 49% of Americans believe abortion is wrong.
• 50% of Christians believe homosexual behavior discussed in the Bible doesn’t apply today.
• 77% of Americans say people must contribute their own effort for personal salvation.
• 52% believe that good works will grant one a ticket to Heaven.

Wow! This is a lot to stomach. These 10 points speak to the new normal of our country and within the Church. Considering all of this, how do we respond? What is our responsibility to respond?

Well, I am reminded of the words recorded in 2 Timothy. We’ve considered them previously:

2 Timothy 4:3-4: For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.

We’ve taken time to briefly consider the world this morning because, in doing so, it helps us better understand how important it is for the Church, for this church, to be about the business of Godliness and the pursuit of holiness. I have been reminded of King David in the Old Testament this week. Here is a man who faced tremendous adversity from the world around him. He did not do everything right in the eyes of the Lord, but it was his heart’s pursuit to honor a Holy God. And God even said this – that David was a “man after God’s own heart.”

Well, in Psalm 103, David, who lived a life full of many blessings but too a life of an abundance of challenges and hardships, is praising the Lord for His ample mercies and goodness. Psalm 103:1-5. One sentence in this Psalm which has always stirred my soul is verse 2:

Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits. Psalm 103:2 

David says we are to “forget not” all that God is and has done. He then proceeds to do exactly this - - to “remember!” David then lists many of the “benefits,” as he calls them, of which he is to “forget not”: God’s forgiveness. His healing hand. The fact that God is a redeemer. A giver of love and of compassion.

Church – you know this... we face so very many challenges around us from the world; challenges both individually, as families, and too corporately as the Church. It is important for us as a people to pause, to reflect, and to recall all that God has done for us!

So as we consider The State of Donelson First, we are going to spend the next two weeks doing exactly this! I’ll begin this process of reminding you of all God is doing here at DF with what time we have left today. And I will continue this with you next week when we are back together. So let us begin! Here are several important truths for you to remember about this light on the hill in Donelson – Donelson First Baptist:

1. The State of Donelson First is strong because we are growing.

Halleluiah Church? Halleluiah indeed! When I speak of growth, I do not merely mean in numbers.  Though, I will point out, in May 2020, just three months removed from the beginning of the pandemic, First Baptist Church of Donelson asked me to be the Senior Pastor of this historic landmark church here in Music City. My first Sunday preaching in this Worship Center, we had 54 people in attendance. For my first 6 months as your Pastor, we averaged 72 attendees. Since then, we have grown in numbers by 400%! 400%! More people have joined Donelson First in the past three years than in the past 15 years combined.  More people been baptized here at Donelson First in the last two years than in the past 10 years combined.

At a time when churches are not growing in numbers, except for, studies show us as a whole, non-denominational churches, I can only describe what has happened here as truly the hand of God upon us. It is obvious that God has His hand on Donelson First. Look around…look around right now! I am confident that right now, you see someone whose name you do not know. But more than, and so very much more than growth in numbers, I can say emphatically:

Donelson First is a church growing in the hope and the favor and the wisdom and the knowledge of the Lord.

Why? The answer is simple...

2. The State of Donelson First is strong because we are immersed in the Word of God.

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Everything begins here. The bible is truth. The bible is never wrong. The bible is the infallible Word of God. The bible is the words of God that are real and relevant for every area of our lives! 

And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe. 1 Thessalonians 2:13

Since I arrived in 2020, your Ministry Team has worked very hard to create connection moments and events that we believe can build up the body of Christ.

Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:45-47

Does this passage burden you? It does me! It truly does. I pray that we continue to meet together with sincere hearts, enjoying the favor of one another, because we truly desire more than fellowship. I pray above all we desire to see that the Lord adds to our number daily those who will be saved.

3. The State of Donelson First is strong because we are His Church meeting in community consistently.

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:24-25

When I arrived, we had 11 Life Groups meeting on Sunday. Over the last three years, we’ve launched a new LG + HG platform, moving away from the traditional Sunday School model.  We now have: 28 Life Groups, Home Groups & D-Groups! I want to pause and tell you why these Groups are so very important. This month on Sunday nights, Amy and I have invited our leaders here on campus to our home. Two weeks ago, all of our Life Group, Home Group, & D-Group leaders and spouses were in our home. Last Sunday night, our First Kids and First Students leaders and volunteers were in our home discussing these super important ministries for the next generation of leaders. Tonight, we are spending time with our Worship & Tech leaders and volunteers at our house. We’ve had a wonderful time just being together, eating, praying and discussing the importance of community at Donelson First.

I have always loved this verse. And I have made it a priority in my life to do exactly this: Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Romans 12:13

Do you notice to whom it is that Paul writes you are to share hospitality? Of course we are to reach out to the hurting world around us. But here in this letter to the Romans, Paul is imploring the Church to take care of one another within the Church. As a matter of fact, look at what Paul wrote in Romans 1:7: To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 1:7

To the Church: 

We are to take care of one another. 

We are to never condemn one another. 

We are to never speak ill of one another. 

We are to never think the worst of one another.

We are to uphold one another and practice hospitality with love.

I have said this so very many times: Life Groups are not a ministry of Donelson First.  Life Groups are the ministry of Donelson First. Life Groups, Home Groups, D-Groups, and all of our volunteers and leaders are the heartbeat of Donelson First. And as we continue to grow, we too want to continue meeting in community and offering more opportunities for you to connect and engage and grow in your walk with the Lord as you too grow closer to each other. I want you to see all of the many options you have to jump in and be in community here at DF!

First Things First: Our 4-part class that covers who we are, what we believe, and how you can get involved and become a member at Donelson First. This class will be hosted quarterly beginning January 2024. The best way to begin the process of joining DF is to complete a Connect Card!

MDWK: One of my favorite events we offer at DF. MDWK meets right here in the Social Hall on Wednesday nights at 5:45p. We eat, worship and have a time of bible study. We do not meet every week, as of now, but are working toward this in 2024. We are presently in a study entitled 'The Heart of Prayer' and I have really enjoyed this time as we have focused on exactly this... the heart of praying like Jesus.

Divorce Care: A support group of encouragement, hope, and healing after a marriage breakup that meets Sunday at 9:02a as a Life Group.

Hope for Hurting Parents: A support group for parents hurting over destructive behaviors or choices of their teen to adult children. Meets Sunday at 9:02a as a Life Group.

Grace Marriage: Grace Marriage meets on the second Sunday of each month from 5-7p in the Social Hall to help you start or continue a path toward ongoing progress and protection in your relationship by coupling grace with intentionality. It’s not too late to sign up! Registration is still open, and materials can still be purchased at donelsonfirst.com/events. 

AA: Alcoholics Anonymous is a support group for men in recovery that meet on our campus at The Annex on Tuesday nights. The Annex is completely packed as these men come together to support one another in sobriety each week.

WMU: Women on Mission gathers to offer opportunities + resources to be involved with missions locally and globally! 

Beginning Again: A group striving to support and comfort widows in our community through study and fellowship with one another. Beginning Again is led by Linda Thornton Second Tuesday of each month in room 105.

First Ladies: Donelson First's group where women of all ages come together to study, pray, and laugh a whole lot! First Ladies goes through a variety of different Bible studies throughout the year while also meeting occasionally for fellowship events like Mugs & Muffins. Life Group is Sunday at 9:02a.

And I want to tell y’all about a LG I am really excited to launch this fall. It’s a one-of-a kind ministry that I really believe is going to be impactful for our people. And it too is one that is extremely close to my heart:

No Cheese, Please!
This will be a really important LG we offer as we discuss such important topics as: Why are there really holes in Swiss cheese? How to make the perfect pizza... without, of course, cheese. And my favorite topic of this new LG - - The real reason cheese is not mentioned in the Bible!

First Bros: A group for the men of Donelson First! These men strive to be leaders in their homes, endeavor to share experiences in a safe place and to build men of God and of His Word. This group also meets occasionally for fellowship events like Men & Meat. Life Group is Sunday at 9:02a.

Food Pantry: Our DF food pantry is open twice a week to provide food and minister to people in our community. The food pantry services all who come - there are no requirements or strings attached, and our volunteers are intentionally praying with and sharing the love of Christ with all who come. We’re in great need of food, so next Sunday is:

Stock the Pantry Sunday! - - Sunday, October 8^th! Bring any staple item, canned goods, pastas, baby food, diapers... really anything!

We also have several large events that we produce throughout the year. Two of these events are on the calendar for this fall:

Fall @ Donelson First: Fall At Donelson First is an outreach, community-focused event designed to draw the community in as we lead, serve, love, and share about Jesus and the BIG God is doing at Donelson First. We’re asking our members to purchase pumpkins that we can gift to members in our community, and we have many volunteer needs for the day of event. Date is October 21 - put it on the calendar and sign up to serve!

Turkey To Table: We provide frozen turkeys and Thanksgiving meal fixin’s to families in our community to bless those that may not have the funds to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday with a full meal. We’ll host Turkey to Table on November 19; be sure to lookout for ways to provide food and serve!

Another event we held this summer for the first time was out amazingly successful:

First Basketball Camp: Kids grades K-6 develop + refine their 45 basketball skills, learn sportsmanship, and enjoy time with other kids from the Donelson Community. This is a great way to get non churched children and families on campus to love and minister to them!

We too have 2 more exciting events on the calendar for this fall:

Hymn Night: Wednesday, October 25 @ 6p. Gonna have some great snacks and a great time of singing the classics!

Senior Adult Fall Retreat @ Montgomery Bell State Park: Sr. Adults (Age 55+) join us for an  evening of fellowship and worship on November 17th and 18th at Montgomery Bell State Park. Cost is $150 per room plus the cost of the Friday Night Meal. Register @ donelsonfirst.com

Of course... all that I have shared with you would not be possible without one thing... you! 

Donelson First is a church who reaches people because we are a church of people who choose to reach!

And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Hebrews 13:16. Jesus reminds us: My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.  John 15:12

When I thought about this over the past week, I kept thinking about the words in: Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Isaiah 43:18-19. Yes the State of Donelson First is strong! God is doing a new thing!

Let’s anticipate and expect that God will continue to do more than we can ever dream or imagine as He continues inspiring people to know, grow, and go in Jesus.

__________________________________

Jeffrey Dean Smith is a husband, father to Bailey & Brynnan, author, and the Senior Pastor at Donelson First in Nashville, TN. If you are in Music City, meet Jeffrey and enjoy iced tea on the front lawn each Sunday at 10:30a.