We are living in a time of constant change and uncertainty, where many are leaving or disengaging from the church—especially since the pandemic. Ironically, at a time when people need purpose and community most, they are stepping away from the very institution God created to help us thrive. But perhaps the issue isn’t just declining attendance. The deeper problem may be that many who attended were never truly engaged. Even those of us still attending might ask ourselves: Are we fully engaged followers of Jesus? The real question isn’t how many are sitting in the pews but how many are actively living out the church’s mission in their communities.

The mission of the Southern California Conference Administration Committee is to “Exalt Christ by cultivating healthy churches and schools.” Health is something we all value. Jesus established the church as the hope of the world, making it essential for churches to be healthy. We challenge pastors and church leaders to reflect on this: What does a healthy church look like? How can we foster healthier, more vibrant churches? And how can we cultivate schools that partner with families to disciple our children?

God’s educational model is a partnership between home, church, and school (Deuteronomy 6). This collaboration fosters healthy families, discipleship, and the expansion of God’s kingdom. Healthy churches and schools working together can make a “forever difference.”

Thom S. Rainer’s book, I Am a Church Member, highlights a common issue: many see church membership as receiving rather than giving, and rights rather than responsibilities. This mindset fosters consumers rather than participants, contradicting God’s vision of a thriving community where members love, serve, and live out their God-given roles. The church exists not for itself but for the world.

Jesus never called us to merely attend church; He called us to follow Him. Early Christians didn’t “attend” church—they were the church, thriving as a community redeemed by Christ and called to service. Our conference vision builds on this: “Spiritually thriving churches and schools with flourishing faith, caring for their communities, and inspiring individuals to grow in and share Christ’s love.”

The church is not just a place but the people of God partnering with Him to reach the world. Ellen White described the church as “God’s appointed agency for the salvation of men,” designed to carry the gospel to the world and reflect His glory (Ephesians 3:10). Paul, in 2 Corinthians 2:14, reminds us we are the “aroma” of Christ (NIV). Like fragrance, our lives are meant to permeate and transform the world with Christ’s love.

As salt and light (Matthew 5:13-15), the church is called to make a difference. Salt preserves, flavors, and penetrates, while light reveals and guides. Both require active presence to be effective. When we fail to be salt and light, the world loses the opportunity to encounter God through us. 

The church’s mission is to bring hope, grace, and love to a broken world. Jesus didn’t die for the church alone—He died for the world (John 3:16). This truth challenges us to move beyond inward focused faith and embrace God’s mission for humanity. Healthy churches and schools, working together, are essential for inspiring individuals to grow in and share Christ’s love.

Ellen White warns, “Many take it for granted that they are Christians, simply because they subscribe to certain theological tenets. But they have not brought the truth into practical life…. Men may profess faith in the truth; but if it does not make them sincere, kind, patient, forbearing, heavenly- minded, it is a curse to its possessors, and through their influence it is a curse to the world” (The Desire of Ages, p. 309). My friends, are we a curse to the world…or a blessing?