Douglas Adams quotes to his readers from the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Universe’s entry on Galactic Civilizations. According to the Guide civilization pass through three stages before their demise. The stages are: Survival, Inquiry, and Sophistication otherwise known as How, Why, and Where. Adams explains it in terms similar to this: Survival - “How are … Continue reading Hitchhiker’s Church History
church growth
What do They See?
A few years ago a small project took place. Churches asked community members and professional researchers to come observe their assemblies and fill out a survey and evaluation form while posing as normal guests. Here is some of what they reported: Most members know only a small percentage of other members. This congregation seems to be mostly … Continue reading What do They See?
Why Are Members Leaving?
Yesterday I read Thom Rainer's post on "Eight Reasons People are Leaving Denominational Churches for Non-denominational Churches." Here are the eight reasons from his informal Twitter Poll. Denominational churches have a negative reputation. Some respondents used the phrase “negative brand” to communicate this reason. Denominations are known more for what they are against than what … Continue reading Why Are Members Leaving?
Staying Alive
John writes Jesus' message to the Church at Sardis, "The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. "'I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found … Continue reading Staying Alive
How to Help the Church
First let me emphatically say that this post is NOT about money! This post is about you and the church, specifically the congregation of God's people that you assemble with. Where you assemble to worship is probably similar to Central, where we attend and where I preach. We are a good group of people. We are … Continue reading How to Help the Church
Seven Signs of a Healthy Church
Recently, I noticed a trend. I am reading blog after blog about signs of an unhealthy church, a dangerous church, or a negative church. I am seeing blogs about why certain age groups are leaving churches. Apparently, there is a current trend of negativity among bloggers and religious writers. There appears to be a deluge of harbingers … Continue reading Seven Signs of a Healthy Church
A Growing Church
I found this poem in the files this morning. I thought you would like to read it. A Growing Church, by Norman Gipson I really want the church to grow - It means the world to me; I always worship with the saints When I've no company. I really want the church to grow - And … Continue reading A Growing Church
Which Church?
Churches want to grow. Those that grow are contagious congregations that focus on people over programs. Growing churches reach their communities with the good news of salvation in Christ and keep people connected because they help people mature in their individual spirituality. These congregations bring people to Christ and assimilate them into the body of Christ … Continue reading Which Church?
It is All About . . .
Somewhere along the line we forgot. We (the Church and her leaders) forgot that our mission is not about drawing people to us or to our beautiful buildings. We are not commanded to bring people to our way of thinking or to our particular style of worship. We are not even told to win people to our friendly group. We … Continue reading It is All About . . .
R U Contagious
This past Sunday we looked at the concept of becoming a contagious church. We want to: Connect People with Jesus and His Word. Have a Contagious Positive Attitude Be United as a Church Family Show Compassion - Care Work Together for God's Glory not Our Own. Contagious churches are Churches that Sing Praise Contagious … Continue reading R U Contagious
Driving Thought 