A Church of Baptized Sinners and Crooks and Liars
The old cliche’ never judge a book by its cover can now be applied to our churches. Just because a building looks like a church on the outside, does not mean it is a church by any stretch of the imagination on the inside.
By definition, what is a church… the word church has many meanings; from assembly of called out ones, a congregation of worshipers, the building where worshipers assemble, a group of baptized believers, and by the Apostle Paul’s teachings, the body of Christ.
You Are NOT the Church – The Scattering Movement – What About Church Online?
THE SCATTERING MOVEMENT
To say that I’m concerned would be a gross understatement.
There is a scattering movement in the nation that’s causing deep harm to the mission of the church.
This scattering of believers is so widespread that we are seeing theologies and philosophies emerging that support the idea that it’s actually healthy to disband and withdraw.
Church Foreclosure
In the last year churches have been hit hard with budget short falls as members have cut back on giving due to their financial situations. If unemployment is averaging 10.4% and others are underemployed and equity has been lost this can affect the donations a church receives significantly. Sadly churches have taken the American view that borrowing money is ok.
So much emphasis has been put on building beyond the means and needs of a congregation, how many churches will fall into foreclosure in the next five to ten years will probably be significant and could be a black eye on the church. On the positive side it will hopefully get Christians and the church back into the business of The Great Commission. It could be a time to reinvent the church in a way that is more flexible more agile and more suited to work and deal with the community around them. Hopefully the church will no longer be many separate lighthouses in a city, but a bright light encompassing the whole community.
Church Membership – Are You in the Right Church?
Church membership is a reference to being an official member of a local church that you attend and participate in regularly. To be a growing Christian without a church is similar to being a baby without a family. The following are my suggestions regarding church membership:
1. Understand your need for a church. It is no secret that there are some sinful people in every church. Some of the Pastors are no good. Some of the officers are awful. Many of the members are hypocrites.