Now that the song from Five Man Electical Band (or if you are younger - Tesla) is stuck in your head, I want to talk about church signs. Not the sign for the congregational name, but those marquee or digital message signs. I have a love-hate relationship with these signs, although they don't know it. I … Continue reading Signs, Signs, Everywhere a Sign
churches
What I Believe about the Church
What I Believe about the Church We are added to the church when we obey the gospel – Act 2:47. We obey the gospel when we by faith put on Christ – Gal 3:26-27. All that put on Christ are Christians and a part of Christ’s Church – Mat 16:18. The Church is not an … Continue reading What I Believe about the Church
Hiring a New Preacher
Like all good preachers I have a file or three of clippings (old school paper and filing cabinet) along with an folder on my computer and cloud storage of bulletin articles, blogs, and newspaper finds. Today's post is from the hard copy file from an old newspaper clipping. In a letter to Dear Abby a C.W. … Continue reading Hiring a New Preacher
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
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?
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 Welcoming Church Atmosphere
There is plenty of church growth material available in the form of books, online research, lectures, etc. Many of them offer great advice and strategies to bring seekers and the unchurched to your congregation. Some books focus on different programs. Some focus on what one might call gimmicks or marketing campaigns. Others break down research … Continue reading A Welcoming Church Atmosphere
Why People Leave Churches
The question of why members are leaving churches is weighing heavy on my mind this morning. This is a discussion I have with church leaders on a regular basis. I believe that there are four reasons why people leave churches. I also have four suggestions on how those of us in church leadership and as … Continue reading Why People Leave Churches
What Destroys a Church?
This weekend I begin a new chapter in my life. Sunday, May 25 is my first Sunday serving the Central Church of Christ in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Some of you may be familiar with Central from April 27, 2011. The tornado outbreak destroyed the building but not the Church. Fire, storms, earthquakes, or floods may damage … Continue reading What Destroys a Church?
Driving Thought 