The church in the West is undeniably a church in crisis. Most of Europe is already post-Christian, and Christianity in the United States is quickly following suit. One in five Americans identify themselves as nonreligious, much of public Christianity defines itself in terms of political stances rather than holiness or discipleship, and churches in Africa, China, and Latin America are now sending their missionaries to us. As Christians, we are losing our place as influencers of western culture.

This is not the first time the church...