Today I was listening to a podcast about how Christians are being martyred in other countries. The same week that the attack on Paris took place, there was another terrorist attack. Very few newscasts gave it more than a passing byword. 12 people were killed in Paris, in Nigeria the bodies were too many to count. Why did the one in Paris get all the publicity and Nigeria got none? Both are tragic events.
It is sad that the world doesn't care about the slaughter in Nigeria. What is downright despicable is that the church in the USA is not rising to the task of helping the refugees. The churches aren't talking about this. The church is asleep. Not a little catnap, but a deep slumber.
My mind cries out to God, "If the church will not help, what can we do?" I felt like God said, then you take it to the people. For those of us who have empathy for the plight of our fellow humans, it is time to take action.
I know that we can pray and that is always the best course of action.
I believe there are other things we can do as well.
I will be praying about this and will do an update to this post soon.
Showing posts with label ministry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ministry. Show all posts
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Saturday, February 21, 2015
What People Are Looking for in a Church
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.
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.
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Church: Part 2
If you haven't read part 1 of this series, I encourage you to do so.
I want to make a few things clear. I realize and understand that by writing this blog, I will likely encounter persecution and may even lose friends. However, as the Apostle Paul stated, "all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." 2 Timothy 3:12. I hear someone gasping. When you said the 'sinners prayer' to accept Jesus, did you understand that you would suffer persecution? Perhaps that is not what you thought you signed up for. Maybe you were told that accepting Jesus as your Saviour you would have a "happy ever after ending". Maybe you thought God would give you a Rolls Royce and a condo in the Florida Keys?
Let's take a look at some of the disciples of Jesus Christ. Peter, John and some of the other Apostles were beaten and jailed for spreading the Gospel. (Acts 4). Afterwards, they prayed that God would grant them even more boldness to preach the Gospel of Christ. This is a far cry from the gospel preached today that you can accept Christ today and tomorrow have a glorious life without pain.
History tells us that Peter was crucified by the Emperor Nero. Tradition says that he was crucified upside down as he did not feel worthy to die in the same manner as Jesus Christ. James was put to death by Herod Agrippa. Paul also died as a martyr.
If you think that martyrs only existed in Bible times, you should visit the Voice of the Martyrs website. http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx Christians all over the world are being martyred today.
I believe that persecution is coming to the USA. It's time to make sure you are right with God. The God of Abraham, Jacob and Isaac.
Forgetting: The idea that my life will always be a bowl of cherries.
Remembering: Jesus is the reason for life. I may end up a martyr for Christ. I must prepare for the day I meet my Saviour face to face.
I want to make a few things clear. I realize and understand that by writing this blog, I will likely encounter persecution and may even lose friends. However, as the Apostle Paul stated, "all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." 2 Timothy 3:12. I hear someone gasping. When you said the 'sinners prayer' to accept Jesus, did you understand that you would suffer persecution? Perhaps that is not what you thought you signed up for. Maybe you were told that accepting Jesus as your Saviour you would have a "happy ever after ending". Maybe you thought God would give you a Rolls Royce and a condo in the Florida Keys?
Let's take a look at some of the disciples of Jesus Christ. Peter, John and some of the other Apostles were beaten and jailed for spreading the Gospel. (Acts 4). Afterwards, they prayed that God would grant them even more boldness to preach the Gospel of Christ. This is a far cry from the gospel preached today that you can accept Christ today and tomorrow have a glorious life without pain.
History tells us that Peter was crucified by the Emperor Nero. Tradition says that he was crucified upside down as he did not feel worthy to die in the same manner as Jesus Christ. James was put to death by Herod Agrippa. Paul also died as a martyr.
If you think that martyrs only existed in Bible times, you should visit the Voice of the Martyrs website. http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx Christians all over the world are being martyred today.
I believe that persecution is coming to the USA. It's time to make sure you are right with God. The God of Abraham, Jacob and Isaac.
Forgetting: The idea that my life will always be a bowl of cherries.
Remembering: Jesus is the reason for life. I may end up a martyr for Christ. I must prepare for the day I meet my Saviour face to face.
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!
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Day 6: Pleasing God First
Forgetting: the ideas that come to my brain that people don't like me.
Remembering: people can only like me to the extent I love myself. I was not put on earth to please people, but to please God.
Update: 11/11/17:
This one is almost funny. The Bible teaches us that we can capture our thoughts and bring them into submission to the truth of scripture. I am learning it does not really matter if people like me or not. I'm here to do my job, regardless of what I am doing.
Update: 11/11/17:
This one is almost funny. The Bible teaches us that we can capture our thoughts and bring them into submission to the truth of scripture. I am learning it does not really matter if people like me or not. I'm here to do my job, regardless of what I am doing.
Thursday, August 21, 2014
Extra, extra
Sometimes when you start out on a journey you don't know what the route looks like. At times you may go through a place you have never been before.
When I started out on this journey, I didn't realize some of the implications of what I was doing. One thing I had been doing monthly I will no longer be doing. This is a ministry I had been involved in for a number of years. It was very difficult to stop. However for over a year God was preparing me.
Per prophecies I have received and what I have received from God, I have three main ways God uses me. These are: prophecy, prayer and healing.
In my case I believe that God is helping me to unlearn somethings so that I can re-learn kingdom principles. What makes this hard is that most of my Christian friends probably do not understand. The fact remains that God works differently with me than others.
Update: 2/3/15
I am happy to report growth and repentance in my life.
I have the release to begin praying again for the ministry mentioned above.
God has done work in my heart. He has re-ordered priorities, put relationships in correct places in my heart. It is such a joy to pray for my fellow workers for the gospel. Also, this means being able to be a helper to a dear friend of mine. My helping her, I am helping the cause of the gospel of Christ.
Update: 2/7/15
I have yielded to the call of the Holy Spirit, regarding my call to being a watchman. I know it will be hard, I likely will suffer in many ways.
Update 11/11/17:
I had no idea how I would suffer. This journey is hard at times. My friends and family often do not understand where I am coming from. They want me to toe the "Christian line". Change is not easily embraced by "Christianity". However, the deep, abiding peace of God is worth it all. When I stand before God, I want to hear him say "Good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of the Lord."
Unfortunately, I have seen relationships change that I thought would always be there. I've seen problems where I could not imagine. BUT it's time for me to rise up and put my faith in the ONE who will not fail me. That is my everlasting Father, the prince of Peace, and my Lord and Christ Jesus.
When I started out on this journey, I didn't realize some of the implications of what I was doing. One thing I had been doing monthly I will no longer be doing. This is a ministry I had been involved in for a number of years. It was very difficult to stop. However for over a year God was preparing me.
Per prophecies I have received and what I have received from God, I have three main ways God uses me. These are: prophecy, prayer and healing.
In my case I believe that God is helping me to unlearn somethings so that I can re-learn kingdom principles. What makes this hard is that most of my Christian friends probably do not understand. The fact remains that God works differently with me than others.
Update: 2/3/15
I am happy to report growth and repentance in my life.
I have the release to begin praying again for the ministry mentioned above.
God has done work in my heart. He has re-ordered priorities, put relationships in correct places in my heart. It is such a joy to pray for my fellow workers for the gospel. Also, this means being able to be a helper to a dear friend of mine. My helping her, I am helping the cause of the gospel of Christ.
Update: 2/7/15
I have yielded to the call of the Holy Spirit, regarding my call to being a watchman. I know it will be hard, I likely will suffer in many ways.
Update 11/11/17:
I had no idea how I would suffer. This journey is hard at times. My friends and family often do not understand where I am coming from. They want me to toe the "Christian line". Change is not easily embraced by "Christianity". However, the deep, abiding peace of God is worth it all. When I stand before God, I want to hear him say "Good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of the Lord."
Unfortunately, I have seen relationships change that I thought would always be there. I've seen problems where I could not imagine. BUT it's time for me to rise up and put my faith in the ONE who will not fail me. That is my everlasting Father, the prince of Peace, and my Lord and Christ Jesus.
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