One of the reasons churches do not grow or worse, die of attrition is that there is a sense of "they" and not a sense of "we" or "us.". As in, "they are having a revival down at the church," instead of "we are having a revival at church.". The difference is more than the … Continue reading Creating Ownership in the Church
church
What’s in a Name?
Yesterday evening I spoke at the Church of Christ in Vernon, Alabama. Vernon is about 50 miles from my home in Oakman. On the journey, I saw beautiful pastures, small farms, horses, cattle, and deer. I also drove by historic homes and a couple of early 1900's school-houses. I passed through Corona, Berry, Mt Vernon, Crossville, … Continue reading What’s in a Name?
Growth Formula
There are a number of reasons why I love the church family that assembles in Parrish. These reasons include, but are not limited to: 1) a great family atmosphere, 2) really good singing, 3) we are very friendly, 4) we seem to possess a willingness to help others, 5) we love the Lord. I will … Continue reading Growth Formula
Satisfaction
What does it take to be satisfied? Is satisfaction even a good thing? Looking at the church there are three groups of people: 1) the Satisfied, 2) the Dissatisfied, and 3) the Unsatisfied. Satisfied Christians think of themselves or the church where they worship as already arriving at perfection or at least being good enough. They feel good … Continue reading Satisfaction
A Harmonium Creates Disharmony
Last night after midweek Bible Class and Devotional and after our nightly Bible reading at home, Amy started her nightly task of grading papers and doing the paperwork teachers must do. I sat down doing word puzzles on the Kindle. We have Netflix on our Wii and I found a Thomas Hardy novel turned made for TV … Continue reading A Harmonium Creates Disharmony
Customer Satisfaction
Like many others, I held a part time job during high school. I had the privilege of working in the restaurant industry as a busboy, cook, and butcher at the Western Steer Family Steakhouse on Mobile Highway in Pensacola, Florida. (That location closed in the mid-'90's.) In my two years at The Steer … Continue reading Customer Satisfaction
Why Some Leave the Church.
One of my earliest blog posts was on this topic. This is not a repeat of that post, but you can read the early post here. Today's post is simply a list of why some are Falling Away from Christ and the Church. Hearts not kept pure - Prov 4:23, "Keep your heart with all … Continue reading Why Some Leave the Church.
Top Ten Ways to Destroy Your Local Church
From the road between my house and the study at Parrish Church of Christ comes this morning's Top Ten Ways to Destroy Your Local Church. 10. Gossip about fellow Christians to other church members. 9. Talk negatively about what "they" are doing down at "the church." 8. Do not support efforts (events) with your attendance and … Continue reading Top Ten Ways to Destroy Your Local Church
Re-Thinking Church
A lot of good religious folks are talking about the church, and are rethinking and redesigning the church. This May 1 and 2 the congregation at Sweetwater, TN will host a series of meetings designed to help us "Think About the Church." If you are close by or are traveling through, please stop in. Below is the … Continue reading Re-Thinking Church
How to Help Your Church Family Grow
Where you worship is probably similar to Parrish, where we attend and where I preach. We are a good group of people. We are active in our faith and are decent folk. But like you, we can be better. I put some thought to this idea of congregational self-improvement and I have a few suggestions … Continue reading How to Help Your Church Family Grow
Driving Thought 