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?
church
Thinking of a Friend
Something reminded me of him recently. A couple of things actually. First, as I was cleaning out a closet I thought of a winter coat he gave me and then I saw someone drinking his favorite soft drink – Diet Rite Pure Zero. I do not think he would mind if I told you what I know of … Continue reading Thinking of a Friend
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
What is – – – Who Are the Church?
The Church is a group of individual Christians drawn together by a common faith in Jesus as Christ (Messiah) for worship and service. The Church is a free fellowship, that is, her members are those who choose to be members. Her members wear only the name of Christian, but do not claim to be all … Continue reading What is – – – Who Are the Church?
God’s Dwelling Place
This week in my chronological reading of the Bible, I am reading about the Children of Israel as they flee Egypt. As they learn more and more about God who delivered them, they learn His desires. One thing God wants is to be present in their lives. To help them know He is near, He guides them … Continue reading God’s Dwelling Place
Three (3) Things
Three things, I can remember three things. When Amy asks me to run to the store to pick up a few items, I can usually remember three things. Once she adds the fourth item . . . I have to make a list. Most of the time, I can remember three things. Three things. As I … Continue reading Three (3) Things
Spiritual Leadership
This week a video is running my circle on Facebook. This video is an interview of a young lady who is a "Preaching Intern" at a local church in Tennessee. I am not sharing her name or the church, but wanted to defend why I see what she and this congregation are doing is contrary … Continue reading Spiritual Leadership
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
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 . . .
Why Does the Church Meet? Should I Go?
Why Does the Church Meet?Many NT passages refer to churches assembling together for regular worship. The word translated church (Ekklesia) means called-out or assembled. Just by definition I cannot be a part of a called-out, an assembly if I am not there. But why is assembling important? Why do I need to attend assemblies?We Assemble … Continue reading Why Does the Church Meet? Should I Go?
Driving Thought 