Thirty-six years ago, a question broke across our televisions and became embedded in our national conversation:  WHERE’s THE BEEF? An elderly woman decried the fact that most burgers were two large buns with an infinitesimal amount of beef in between—and the answer was to come to Wendy’s where the beef on the bun was substantial and filling.

 Hilarious at the time, the byline became synonymous with a deeper intrinsic issue—where’s the reality of what is promised? And the question is salient today. When you bore beyond articulated talking points and position papers in industry or ministry—does the substance match the marketing? 

 And the question is one every ministry today must answer. In the light of seriously waning church attendance; in the dramatic increase of the “none” category when people are poled regarding their religious preference in the United States; with 8000 churches closing their doors every year; not only must Christians and Christian ministries deeply contemplate WHY, but we MUST ask ourselves, “Where’s the beef?” More importantly and specifically, “Where’s the passion?”

 The Bible teaches in Romans 12:11 (NKJV) that we are to not be ^11…lagging in diligence,(but be) fervent in spirit, serving the Lord…”

 The Greek word for fervent is zeo and it means: be hot (boil, of liquids; or glow, of solids), i.e. (figurative) be fervid (earnest).

 The Passion translation puts it this way:  Romans 12:11 (PassionNTPsa)
¹¹ Be enthusiastic to serve the Lord, keeping your passion toward him boiling hot! Radiate with the glow of the Holy Spirit and let him fill you with excitement as you serve Him.

Sadly, our fervor has waned. Millennials and young people observing the church too often see religion without a heartbeat. Good works deserve more than activity, but activity birthed from, and expressed from, a heart on fire.

Preaching without passion, writing without passion, actions without passion—or without fire birthed from and expressed for our Lord Jesus—gains no following.  Possibly people are leaving the church because they don’t often see those IN the church LOVING and passionately being a part of the church. 

Of John Wesley it is often quoted, “I set myself on fire and people come to watch me burn.” Church, it’s time we find ourselves looking into the face of Jesus, realizing again His full-hearted fervor and passion in laying His life down for us, and allowing our souls to catch fire again. THEN people will be able to see His light and passion in us—then the church can catch fire again.

Dear Lord, pour out a fresh awakening on our nation, on our churches—and let it begin with me.  Then I will be able to answer the question, “Where’s the Passion” with “Look at me—my heart is hot on fire with PASSION for my Jesus. Come follow me as I follow Him.” 

Kevin Hunter pastors Grace Christian Center in Port Ludlow, WA. He’s been a church planter, preacher, teacher, mentor and leader for 45 years, and currently serves as VP of the NW Region of The Fellowship Network.