Are we doing church wrong?

[Ken Anderson]

My preference is for a small church with little or no paid staff. I don't need a dynamic speaker behind the pulpit. As long as the pastor knows the Bible, there shouldn't be a need for a dynamic speaker, since a faith that is dependent on regular hits of emotion is one that is weak. While dynamic speakers can be effective for reaching people for Christ or extracting money from those who have signed on, the New Testament roles for a pastor are as a shepherd and caregiver, teacher of Scripture, spiritual leader and overseer, and as an example or model.

Modern mega-churches bring a lot of people into the fold, but they need constant infusions of emotional preaching to stay, and, far too often, they don't do a particularly good job in the roles that a pastor is supposed to have, particularly as examples or models of Christian behavior.

 

[Mary Stetler]

I suppose with my post that I got off the ongoing vein of thought which is the method of evangelizing by some denominations so here’s my take.

Come one, come all.
Perhaps I might be taken as being extremely [ maybe even overly ] confident in my beliefs but I don’t have a problem with folks who feel the need to knock on my door for the purpose of spreading their version of the Gospel.
Call me lazy but one keen aspect about people knocking on my door is that I don’t have to go and knock on their door. Ready-made evangelizing if you will.

Then, there’s also the aspect of being given an additional opportunity to practice a little Malachi 3:15-17. Granted, one has to value the historical context of the verses but still, I’m sure God enjoys being spoken of with love even if the two of His children who are speaking have different methods of showing it.
Personally, I’d rather be remembered by God as being one who follows the second commandment of Jesus which is to “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” (Mark 12:31)
I know, it’s shameful that I, all too often, have fallen short on that commandment but with age and prayer, I’m getting better at it.

Just a note:
Seriously though, the very best place to meet people, volunteer, serve, spread the Gospel and yes, invite them to one’s church is in a Gospel Rescue Mission.
If the mission already has a “Christ based Program” going on, so much the better.
There are thousands of homeless people going through those programs for a year or so each and come out of the program clean and ready to rejoin society with a more meaningful attitude but sad to say, many do not have a loving church family to receive them.
Church teams go to those missions every night of the week and preach the Gospel but I have personally witnessed some of those teams showing a reluctance when it comes to nurturing a new babe in Christ.
Some churches are fantastic and want to see that child grow in Christ but others…..not so much.

My pastor volunteers at a local Recovery Rescue. I was very surprised at all the young men at this little church on my first visit. They come, some get baptised, a couple stay for a while...

 

[Shirley Martin]

How many members attend a brick-and-mortar church?

 

[Beth Gallagher]

How many members attend a brick-and-mortar church?

Do you mean SOC members? Not I.

 

[Ken Anderson]

I do sometimes, but not regularly since my last pastor had a stroke and moved to Michigan.

 

[April Vee]

You say that like you're proud.

You misunderstood Beth. I wasnt proud,i was just telling you what he did...

 

[Mary Stetler]

How many members attend a brick-and-mortar church?

I do for the last year. It is also streamed online. I am very moved by the pastor and his graciousness and knowledge of the Bible. But I am not sure I would continue if the other pastors took over. They come when Bruce goes on vacation from a sister church.