If you have been reading my blog for any length of time, you know how much I dislike statistics. I am finding though that I like the Barna Group. They do studies and research things. Generally speaking, they are considered honest and trustworthy.
Earlier today I heard about a 2 year study that Barna did. However, while looking for that study I found another one that I found extremely interesting. We, Christians, have been told by our Pastors that the reason we do things the way we do is to draw in the unchurched. This often means worshipping in the semi-dark, with lead worshippers on a stage, whiich is usually lit with spotlights. It may mean low lighting during the "sermon". It may mean have an auditorium look as opposed to a sanctuary. Most of the churches I have been to, it means LOUD music. Even during the times that are allotted for the churchgoers to visit with one another, the music blares. Conversation may be nearly impossible. The above is why I find this study so very interesting.
Barna study on church
I urge you to go to the website and look at it. I think you will find in interesting.
One part I am going to post here as I find these results very revealing,
Participators in the survey were ask to choose the word that describes their "ideal" church. Here are the results:
• Community, 78% was selected over privacy, 22%
• Sanctuary, 77% (auditorium, 23%)
• Classic, 67% (trendy, 33%)
• Quiet, 65% (loud, 35%)
• Casual, 64% (dignified, 36%)
• Modern, 60% (traditional, 40%)
So it seems that what is "really" wanted in "church" is the more traditional look. The churches that spend much money renovating the churches may have wasted their money. It seems people want to go to "church" not a nondescript place. I think that people may not like the "pretense". It seems that people do want a modern feel without being trendy. I understand why people like "casual" is more inclusive overall.
I found this study thought-provoking.
Showing posts with label emergent church. Show all posts
Showing posts with label emergent church. Show all posts
Saturday, February 21, 2015
Saturday, February 7, 2015
Church: Open Letter to Church Leadership
I
heard a heartbreaking statistic today. It crushed me, I knew that it is true. I
don't like statistics because they can and often are manipulated. I
believe they are often used to manipulate people. Nevertheless when I
heard this one, it cut right to my heart. A recent poll conducted by
the Barna Group reveals that 46% of
church-going Americans claim their lives have not changed at all due to
their time spent in the pews.
A recent poll conducted by the Barna Group reveals that 46% of church-going Americans claim their lives have not changed at all due to their time spent in the pews. The Barna Group is one of the most trusted organizations for statistics.
This is appalling. However, I believe that I understand why this is true.
First of all, the church has become a form of entertainment. The un-churched are not interested in entertainment. They have real entertainment. They don't need to go be entertained on Sunday, because they have football, NASCAR, TV, movies etc.
I believe that C.H. Spurgeon had it right when he said, "A time will come when instead of shepherds feeding the sheep, the church will have clowns entertaining the goats." ~ C.H. Spurgeon
"Secondly, the church has largely turned it's back on the problems of the country and the world. Sure we may pick one or two areas we talk about here and there but we don't talk about the economy that is about to collapse, we don't talk about the Islamic infiltration of our country. We don't seem to care that villages in Niger were recently burnt, killing many Christians. Or that Christians around the world are being martyred for their faith. How about how we are sacrificing our infants on the altars of Baal and Molech? How the film industry is so filthy that the Christians should be appalled. But no, we go watch their movies, paying our money to the very people we should be denouncing. As if this is not bad enough, we export our sins to the world. No wonder Islam calls us (the USA) the whore of the world.Yet, the very fact that shariah law is creeping into the laws of this nation should make us wake up.The real tragedy is that Christians are not being prepared for what is taking place in this nation and the world. If you study history, can you see how our nation has changed? How we are becoming apostate?
If anyone reading this needs more information on how to repent of your sins and put Jesus in charge of your life, please leave a comment with your email and I will email you with more information and attempt to answer any questions you may have. I want you to know upfront that being a Christian (Christ-like one) is not easy. It is worth it, but not easy.
Of course, if this doesn't apply to you, please disregard.
Sources:
http://www.acommonword.com/
http://apprising.org/2012/02/28/john-piper-on-rick-warrens-chrislam/
A recent poll conducted by the Barna Group reveals that 46% of church-going Americans claim their lives have not changed at all due to their time spent in the pews. The Barna Group is one of the most trusted organizations for statistics.
This is appalling. However, I believe that I understand why this is true.
First of all, the church has become a form of entertainment. The un-churched are not interested in entertainment. They have real entertainment. They don't need to go be entertained on Sunday, because they have football, NASCAR, TV, movies etc.
I believe that C.H. Spurgeon had it right when he said, "A time will come when instead of shepherds feeding the sheep, the church will have clowns entertaining the goats." ~ C.H. Spurgeon
"Secondly, the church has largely turned it's back on the problems of the country and the world. Sure we may pick one or two areas we talk about here and there but we don't talk about the economy that is about to collapse, we don't talk about the Islamic infiltration of our country. We don't seem to care that villages in Niger were recently burnt, killing many Christians. Or that Christians around the world are being martyred for their faith. How about how we are sacrificing our infants on the altars of Baal and Molech? How the film industry is so filthy that the Christians should be appalled. But no, we go watch their movies, paying our money to the very people we should be denouncing. As if this is not bad enough, we export our sins to the world. No wonder Islam calls us (the USA) the whore of the world.Yet, the very fact that shariah law is creeping into the laws of this nation should make us wake up.The real tragedy is that Christians are not being prepared for what is taking place in this nation and the world. If you study history, can you see how our nation has changed? How we are becoming apostate?
What is
happening is a spiritual problem. If the church does not step up and
take action, someone else will. The church will be judged for what we
allowed to happen on our watch.
The answer is
repentance. Pure and simply, it must start with the church.
Repentance means turning away. It is not enough to says "Sorry" and go
on with the same lifestyle. It is almost impossible to tell the
church from the world. Perhaps we don't use the same swearwords, but we
dress the same, go to the same movies, use those movies inside the
church. Instead we should be like the 7 wise virgins who were preparing
and prepared for the return of the bridegroom.
I
believe that in the near future you will see a division between what
Jesus called the sheep and the goats. It is the pastor's (shepherd)
job to protect and disciple the sheep. God considers this an important
job with dire consequences for failure.
One final quote from Spurgeon:
Sin and Hell are married unless repentance proclaims the divorce." ~ C.H. Spurgeon
Repentance
is not raising your hand during an altar call (shouldn't be called
altar calls anymore) or by saying a prayer. Repentance is turning away
from sin. As was in the case of Jacob/Israel, this often involves
wrestling.Sin and Hell are married unless repentance proclaims the divorce." ~ C.H. Spurgeon
If anyone reading this needs more information on how to repent of your sins and put Jesus in charge of your life, please leave a comment with your email and I will email you with more information and attempt to answer any questions you may have. I want you to know upfront that being a Christian (Christ-like one) is not easy. It is worth it, but not easy.
Of course, if this doesn't apply to you, please disregard.
Sources:
http://www.acommonword.com/
http://apprising.org/2012/02/28/john-piper-on-rick-warrens-chrislam/
Friday, February 6, 2015
Church: Why I Hate Statistics...and Manipulation
Have you even been listening to a speaker and they start spitting out statistics like a copier produces copies?
It is disconcerting when you are listening to someone you trust and they start talking in statistics. To me, that makes me suspicious of whatever it is they are trying to convey. Generally speaking, people start with the statistics to make their viewpoint look credible. I am a bit different than most churchgoers, but you probably already knew that.
I took a statistics class many years ago. Most of what I learned I have forgotten. One thing has stayed with me throughout the years. Our class was told that one can take any set of statistics and make them support your supposition. Isn't that very interesting. Statistics can be manipulated, just as they can be used to manipulate people. I understand there are reputable firms that do studies and are careful to use statistics wisely. However, when people are trying to influence others, they tend to utilize the tools they have or think they have.
It seems to me that the very ones who are suppose to protect their congregations are instead using manipulation. Unfortunately this happens a lot in the church. I think most everyone knows when they are being manipulated. There are times when we don't realize what is happening until it's too late. Christians must be discerning without being suspicious. This is something that we can pray and ask God to give us. He promises that He will not withhold any good thing from us.
I had a situation recently, when I didn't realize what was happening until after the fact. This person literally attacked, accusing me of something untrue. Others that were there told me that they know that what the other person said was not true. Yet I was troubled inside. It was some time later I realized that the person foisted off on me her opinion. She did it in such a way, that I knew I did not do what I was accused of, yet I had this huge need to bring clarity to all around me. This is one way that people can manipulate you.
Another happened one day when I got drawn into another persons drama. As a result, I lost time that I couldn't afford to lose.
My suggestion is to ask God for protection and discernment. And do not believe every statistic you hear.
It is disconcerting when you are listening to someone you trust and they start talking in statistics. To me, that makes me suspicious of whatever it is they are trying to convey. Generally speaking, people start with the statistics to make their viewpoint look credible. I am a bit different than most churchgoers, but you probably already knew that.
I took a statistics class many years ago. Most of what I learned I have forgotten. One thing has stayed with me throughout the years. Our class was told that one can take any set of statistics and make them support your supposition. Isn't that very interesting. Statistics can be manipulated, just as they can be used to manipulate people. I understand there are reputable firms that do studies and are careful to use statistics wisely. However, when people are trying to influence others, they tend to utilize the tools they have or think they have.
It seems to me that the very ones who are suppose to protect their congregations are instead using manipulation. Unfortunately this happens a lot in the church. I think most everyone knows when they are being manipulated. There are times when we don't realize what is happening until it's too late. Christians must be discerning without being suspicious. This is something that we can pray and ask God to give us. He promises that He will not withhold any good thing from us.
I had a situation recently, when I didn't realize what was happening until after the fact. This person literally attacked, accusing me of something untrue. Others that were there told me that they know that what the other person said was not true. Yet I was troubled inside. It was some time later I realized that the person foisted off on me her opinion. She did it in such a way, that I knew I did not do what I was accused of, yet I had this huge need to bring clarity to all around me. This is one way that people can manipulate you.
Another happened one day when I got drawn into another persons drama. As a result, I lost time that I couldn't afford to lose.
My suggestion is to ask God for protection and discernment. And do not believe every statistic you hear.
Thursday, February 5, 2015
Church: Sunday is Coming
It's Thursday evening and the thought of Sunday makes me tense. I can't keep making excuses for missing a lot of church services. I have a good friend to whom I am accountable. I know that she is beginning to wonder about my commitment to the church we both attend. Before I joined this church, I prayed a lot. I wanted to be completely certain that I was doing the right thing. I truly believed I was doing the right thing. Even now, I believe that I was acting in faith. I was trying to do what I believed God wanted me to do.
Some time later, I wondered if I misheard God. I felt like God told me that I was not sent there for myself, but sent for the people.
It would be some time before I began to understand what this meant. I began to forge friendships with new people. I had an exchange of ideas with other church goers. After some time I was an assistant connect group leader. I felt like I was a good influence.
The main place I believe I was useful to God was through prayer. I began to pray for a friend and the ministry she is involved in. I found such a joy through prayer. Prayer is rewarding in many ways; but at times the results of prayer are not known in this life. There were many answers to prayer as well during this time.
Where I differ from the 'average' churchgoer is that I have been a student of the Bible for years. A shallow sermon makes little impact on my life. For a time I thought that it was okay that I was not being challenged at my church. I thought that I could listen to pod casts to forage for what I was not being fed at my own church. For time I also thought that it was enough that others seemed to listen to what I had to say. However, those closer to me, kept telling me that I had something to say, and that it was my time. But opportunities were few.
Still, I remained.
I have written all the above to show that going to church is not enough. It is about a relationship with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. I wasn't trying to live my life without a relationship with God. But going to church is not what God requires of you. God is concerned with every day of your life, not just Sunday. Hebrews 10:25 is often quoted by church leaders to keep people going to church. It says, "do not forget the assembling of believers as is the manner of some." However, in the early church, the believers went to synagogue, but mostly met in each others homes. There reason for gathering together was to study and listen to the apostle's doctrine. They did not gather for entertainment. They met to hear the meat of the word of God. At most churches today, the congregation is lucky to get milk. It is impossible to grow spiritually with only milk.
Please note I said most churches. There are some wonderful churches out there. Places where the pastors are shepherds. I am not anti-church.
To be continued ....
Forgetting: The rules and regulations of the religious. Leaving behind the things that try to keep me down.
Remembering: I live to please God. I attempt to do all that He asks of me. This may mean saying no to good so that I can do the best.
Some time later, I wondered if I misheard God. I felt like God told me that I was not sent there for myself, but sent for the people.
It would be some time before I began to understand what this meant. I began to forge friendships with new people. I had an exchange of ideas with other church goers. After some time I was an assistant connect group leader. I felt like I was a good influence.
The main place I believe I was useful to God was through prayer. I began to pray for a friend and the ministry she is involved in. I found such a joy through prayer. Prayer is rewarding in many ways; but at times the results of prayer are not known in this life. There were many answers to prayer as well during this time.
Where I differ from the 'average' churchgoer is that I have been a student of the Bible for years. A shallow sermon makes little impact on my life. For a time I thought that it was okay that I was not being challenged at my church. I thought that I could listen to pod casts to forage for what I was not being fed at my own church. For time I also thought that it was enough that others seemed to listen to what I had to say. However, those closer to me, kept telling me that I had something to say, and that it was my time. But opportunities were few.
Still, I remained.
I have written all the above to show that going to church is not enough. It is about a relationship with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. I wasn't trying to live my life without a relationship with God. But going to church is not what God requires of you. God is concerned with every day of your life, not just Sunday. Hebrews 10:25 is often quoted by church leaders to keep people going to church. It says, "do not forget the assembling of believers as is the manner of some." However, in the early church, the believers went to synagogue, but mostly met in each others homes. There reason for gathering together was to study and listen to the apostle's doctrine. They did not gather for entertainment. They met to hear the meat of the word of God. At most churches today, the congregation is lucky to get milk. It is impossible to grow spiritually with only milk.
Please note I said most churches. There are some wonderful churches out there. Places where the pastors are shepherds. I am not anti-church.
To be continued ....
Forgetting: The rules and regulations of the religious. Leaving behind the things that try to keep me down.
Remembering: I live to please God. I attempt to do all that He asks of me. This may mean saying no to good so that I can do the best.
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
Church: Part 1-Background
As I have stated a few times already, when I started this journey, I
had no idea where it would lead. I was born by and raised by
Christians. I went to church 3 times a week most of my growing up
years. Although I never heard it said then, it was like if the church
doors were open, you went. I never resented my parents for taking me
to church. I actually thrived on it and loved church. Looking back, I
was a Vacation Bible School addict. I went to every one I was allowed
to go to. For those unfamiliar with Vacation Bible School, it is
usually a week in the summer where for 2 hours a day ,
young ones go to church and learn about God.
I am stating all this because most of my life, I would never have believed a day would come when I would not want to go to church. Sure I'm old enough to know better, but I do not look forward to Sunday anymore. Last Sunday, I just could not make myself go to church. This has caused me to look inside, and find out why.
One of the main reasons that I have "church phobia" is that I have become "cold" by going to church. This scares me because in the book of Revelation, it is written "So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of my mouth! (Revelation 3:16). Ugh!! I do not want to be vomited out of God's mouth. No way can that be good. But even more is the fact that I love God! I want to be pleasing. But to be pleasing, I must get past lukewarm and get hot!
I know you are wondering how I can connect my 'coldness' with the church. It isn't from a lack of reading or listening. I read a lot. I also listen to many podcasts during the week. Many times on Sunday, I watch several churches as they stream over the internet. I try to incorporate what I hear into my life. I do not want to be deceived as it says in the book of James. James talks of those who hear the word but do not do it.
I see the same thing in the "church" all over the USA. We are becoming cookie cutter Christians. If we can be called Christians. Christian means "Christ-like". If we are lukewarm or cold are we "Christ-like"?
Here is what I see as "cookie cutter" churches:
Clockdown before the service begins
Dimmed lighting during worship and possibly the message.
A message from the pastor that is cute, maybe themed, but one that does not encourage maturity in Christ
People get "saved" by saying a prayer (usually the prayer is pretty much the same each Sunday)
Church goers are encouraged to go to a connect group (also called small group or cell groups)
No mention is made about "social causes", such as Christians being killed by Isis or their villages burnt in Niger, etc
Church goers bombarded with statistics to prove how good and wonderful the 'church' is
Those who have ideas outside of the 'box' get attacked
No negativism - never is anything said of things that could be construed as negative
Church leaders have titles like Lead Pastor, Senior Pastor, Worship Leader etc
Having a stage (used to be called a platform)
Those on stage look like the world
Focus on entertainment
Focus on bringing people into the 'church' as opposed to going out of the church to bring God to people.
I want to reiterate that I am not against churches. This is not about one church, it is about a trend I see in churches. I hear from people in various parts of the USA and the stories I hear have the similarities mentioned above.
Forgetting: The spirit of religion that creeps into the church and into my heart if I do not guard my heart.
Remembering: It is all about God. He didn't ask me to do all these things. He called me to love the Lord my God with all my heart, soul and mind!
I am stating all this because most of my life, I would never have believed a day would come when I would not want to go to church. Sure I'm old enough to know better, but I do not look forward to Sunday anymore. Last Sunday, I just could not make myself go to church. This has caused me to look inside, and find out why.
One of the main reasons that I have "church phobia" is that I have become "cold" by going to church. This scares me because in the book of Revelation, it is written "So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of my mouth! (Revelation 3:16). Ugh!! I do not want to be vomited out of God's mouth. No way can that be good. But even more is the fact that I love God! I want to be pleasing. But to be pleasing, I must get past lukewarm and get hot!
I know you are wondering how I can connect my 'coldness' with the church. It isn't from a lack of reading or listening. I read a lot. I also listen to many podcasts during the week. Many times on Sunday, I watch several churches as they stream over the internet. I try to incorporate what I hear into my life. I do not want to be deceived as it says in the book of James. James talks of those who hear the word but do not do it.
I see the same thing in the "church" all over the USA. We are becoming cookie cutter Christians. If we can be called Christians. Christian means "Christ-like". If we are lukewarm or cold are we "Christ-like"?
Here is what I see as "cookie cutter" churches:
Clockdown before the service begins
Dimmed lighting during worship and possibly the message.
A message from the pastor that is cute, maybe themed, but one that does not encourage maturity in Christ
People get "saved" by saying a prayer (usually the prayer is pretty much the same each Sunday)
Church goers are encouraged to go to a connect group (also called small group or cell groups)
No mention is made about "social causes", such as Christians being killed by Isis or their villages burnt in Niger, etc
Church goers bombarded with statistics to prove how good and wonderful the 'church' is
Those who have ideas outside of the 'box' get attacked
No negativism - never is anything said of things that could be construed as negative
Church leaders have titles like Lead Pastor, Senior Pastor, Worship Leader etc
Having a stage (used to be called a platform)
Those on stage look like the world
Focus on entertainment
Focus on bringing people into the 'church' as opposed to going out of the church to bring God to people.
I want to reiterate that I am not against churches. This is not about one church, it is about a trend I see in churches. I hear from people in various parts of the USA and the stories I hear have the similarities mentioned above.
Forgetting: The spirit of religion that creeps into the church and into my heart if I do not guard my heart.
Remembering: It is all about God. He didn't ask me to do all these things. He called me to love the Lord my God with all my heart, soul and mind!
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