In the beginning of the 18^th century, American churches were moving into a state of paralysis spiritually and missionally. According to A. Skevington Wood, "The reasons for the decline are clear. The development of commerce, and with it the increase of wealth, bred a materialism which blunted the keen edge of Protestant witness. The fervor of the fathers was not reproduced in their children."

Wood continues to paint the picture: "In 1727, an earthquake which disturbed much of New England and neighboring provinces was interpreted as a sign of God's judgment. There was a temporary rush to the churches but little lasting improvement. A few years later, a Boston preacher could report sadly: 'Alas, as though nothing but the most amazing thunders and lightnings, and the most terrible earthquakes could awaken us, we are at this time fallen into as dead a sleep as ever.'[1]

At the start of the 21^st century, American churches seem to lie in a funk--paralyzed. The reasons for the decline later will be debated by historians, yet could some of them be the development of commerce, increase of wealth, breeding of materialism and parents remaining silent in their faith to allow space for their children to find something that works for them? These certainly would provide a partial explanation for the lack of power and effectiveness that seems to characterize many churches today. We also had a disturbing event on Sept. 11, 2001. The response was a great movement toward places of faith seeking answers to this terrible tragedy and personal pain. This, too, was a temporary rush; and those seeking answers found little help from the church. Alas, "We are at this time fallen into as dead a sleep as ever."