Where Is the Church Going?

The Plumbline, the Power, and the People of God

By Nellie O’Hara

June 3, 2025

What a season in time we are journeying through. In a world swirling with rapid change, uncertainty, and shifting values, many believers are asking a vital question: Where is the Church going? 

As the Body of Christ navigates through cultural upheaval, technological revolutions, and spiritual challenges, understanding and discerning the Church’s direction is more crucial than ever. More than ever I believe that God has a mighty plan and we can rest in that.

But what is our part?

The Plumbline: God’s Standard for the Church

In ancient times, a plumbline was a simple yet essential tool used by builders to ensure walls were straight and true. Spiritually, the plumbline represents God’s standard—His Word and His heart—by which the Church must measure itself. 

In this time of what seems like great acceleration, the Church cannot drift aimlessly, swirl accusations and do its own thing. Without a divine plumbline, the Church risks distortion by compromising truth, surrendering to cultural pressure, and losing its mission focus.

God’s Word is the unchanging plumbline that calls the Church to holiness, justice, and love, shaping the Church’s teaching, worship, and outreach. We cannot replace or modify the plumbline with our opinions, what we think is best, or what sounds best by the majority.

So, where is the Church going?

The Church must, and will, return to the plumbline of Scripture, seeking to build on the foundation of Christ and on His truth alone.

The Power: Holy Spirit’s Presence and Purpose

Alongside the plumbline, the Church’s journey is defined by the power of the Holy Spirit. The early Church in Acts exploded with power—bold preaching, miraculous signs, and radical love. This was no accident; it was the Spirit’s work.

Today, the Church’s future depends on whether it will rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to transform lives, communities, and nations. Without that power, ministry becomes mere human effort, and the message loses its impact. When the message loses impact, people fall away and become lukewarm.

The power of God empowers the Church to walk in love, confront injustice, pray with authority, and evangelize effectively. This power of God is available—not just for leaders or special moments, but for every believer, every day!

The People: Called, Equipped, and Sent

The Church’s direction is shaped by its people—the called-out ones.

I will never forget the day God called me. He called me into Him and my eyes were opened. It’s like that expression “One you have seen it, you can’t unsee it.” That’s how it was and is for me. The Church isn’t a building or institution; it is a community of believers, and this community is global, called by God and gifted by the Spirit for His purposes.

Where is the Church going?

It is going where its people are faithfully living out their calling, using their gifts, and loving one another deeply. Every believer is part of the Church’s mission—not to be spectators but to be active participants and to be those who have fruit developed in their life.

This means that discipleship, accountability, and community matter. It means the Church is not just a place to gather as a social gathering, but as a people on mission—serving the poor, standing for truth, and bearing witness to Christ in every sphere of life; responding differently from the world.

Conclusion: A Call to Align and Advance

The Church’s future hinges on three pillars: the plumbline of God’s Word, the power of the Holy Spirit, and the faithfulness of the people of God.

If the Church remains true to these, it will stand firm amid storms, shine brightly in darkness, and boldly move forward into God’s calling.

Where is the Church going?

Back to the Word, empowered by the Spirit, and propelled by a people committed to God’s mission assignments. And as we walk forward, He has promised that He will confirm His word, with miracles, signs and wonders. Praise God!