http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2009/09/25/bruce-feiler-christians-americans-gone
"Today, the rise of disaffection is so powerful that different denominations needs to band together to find a shared language of God that can move beyond the fading divisions of the past and begin moving toward a partnership of different-but-equal traditions."
Thoughts?
Where Have All the Christians Gone?
Moderators: Pastor Gary, The J2 Mod Squad
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Where Have All the Christians Gone?
"My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only He will release my feet from the snare." Psalm 25:15
http://www.myspace.com/twiztidstr8
http://www.myspace.com/twiztidstr8
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Pastor Gary
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Trying
I'm trying, brother, I'm trying...
"God is excited to show you mercy. He rises to give you His compassion." (Isaiah 30:18)
"For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield." (Psalm 5:12)
"For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield." (Psalm 5:12)
I know you are Pastor Gary, I know! More than I am at the moment. 
Just thought it was interesting. Also, there was one statement that I have mixed feelings about. The article said that "catering to older believers is a recipe for failure". I see there line of reasoning, that the young are the future of the church, but lets not forget about the young once they become the "older".
The older believers are the backbone of the church and without them it would probably all crumble. (in a manner of speaking)
Too many young people today are just flat out spoiled and think everything should be catered to them and that anything outside there social circles isn't worth listening to. I mean I think I am still pretty young, but try telling my 16 yr old daughter that. Last night she was talking about how an "old guy probably in his 30's" was checking her and her friends out while they were riding in the car. I was like HEY THATS NOT OLD! Too old to be checking out my 16 yr old true enough, but not OLD!!
I understand that things need to be in place in the ministries to capture the interest of our younger people. But also our younger folks should be aware that the church is like a family and families care, love, support, and entertain all of each other, not just the young.
Anyway......good job and good luck in your continued efforts PG
Just thought it was interesting. Also, there was one statement that I have mixed feelings about. The article said that "catering to older believers is a recipe for failure". I see there line of reasoning, that the young are the future of the church, but lets not forget about the young once they become the "older".
The older believers are the backbone of the church and without them it would probably all crumble. (in a manner of speaking)
Too many young people today are just flat out spoiled and think everything should be catered to them and that anything outside there social circles isn't worth listening to. I mean I think I am still pretty young, but try telling my 16 yr old daughter that.
Last night she was talking about how an "old guy probably in his 30's" was checking her and her friends out while they were riding in the car. I was like HEY THATS NOT OLD! Too old to be checking out my 16 yr old true enough, but not OLD!!
I understand that things need to be in place in the ministries to capture the interest of our younger people. But also our younger folks should be aware that the church is like a family and families care, love, support, and entertain all of each other, not just the young.
Anyway......good job and good luck in your continued efforts PG
"My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only He will release my feet from the snare." Psalm 25:15
http://www.myspace.com/twiztidstr8
http://www.myspace.com/twiztidstr8
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paul
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Brian, I am blessed and at the same time frustrated as I minister in a variety of pentecostal and charismatic churches here in america and other parts of the world.
I have come to the conclusion that the one thing I see solacking in our churches can be summed up in one word. "PASSION" The passion for the things of God just don't seem to be there as much as they once were. I guess because of my travels I see people who are so pasionate for the things of God, His presence, to learn more of Him... that they will walk four or more hours, swim rivers, treck mountain terrain to get to where they can hear and learn more.
But it must be the leadership that creates the enviroment for this passion to cultivate. I am not referring to hollering preachers, running around the room, nor preachers who spend half their sermon crying. Nothing wrong with either in their place.
But true from the heart Passion that cause Mary to approach the tabel when tradition said no. Passion that causes thousands to loose their life each year for their faith in Christ.
Just think, if we were as passionate at winning souls, reaching out to the hurting of this world as we are in some of our debates on this forum....then we might not see the stastics you are referring to.
I have come to the conclusion that the one thing I see solacking in our churches can be summed up in one word. "PASSION" The passion for the things of God just don't seem to be there as much as they once were. I guess because of my travels I see people who are so pasionate for the things of God, His presence, to learn more of Him... that they will walk four or more hours, swim rivers, treck mountain terrain to get to where they can hear and learn more.
But it must be the leadership that creates the enviroment for this passion to cultivate. I am not referring to hollering preachers, running around the room, nor preachers who spend half their sermon crying. Nothing wrong with either in their place.
But true from the heart Passion that cause Mary to approach the tabel when tradition said no. Passion that causes thousands to loose their life each year for their faith in Christ.
Just think, if we were as passionate at winning souls, reaching out to the hurting of this world as we are in some of our debates on this forum....then we might not see the stastics you are referring to.
You cannot effectively love and minister to others when you are obsessed with protecting
and preserving yourself.
and preserving yourself.
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paul
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WindSong wrote:I think it's the days we are living in... "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." Matthew 24:12
We are living in the time that is likened to the days of Noah. God still has a people who are separated unto Him, but the numbers are getting fewer.
Is the fact that numbers are getting smaller challenge us? Do we accept it, or believe that the scriptures said that "He is longsuffering, desiring that NONE should perish, but all come unto everlasting life.
To many christians have joined doris Day in her old song Que Sera Sera
You cannot effectively love and minister to others when you are obsessed with protecting
and preserving yourself.
and preserving yourself.
Do you think it might be the Churches fault?
What if you are tired of the legalism of today's churches and the boring motions of Christianese. Honoring positions and people and climbing club ladders.... when you are really searching for answers and want to learn what it really means to live deeply in Christ. To understand you have been made a SON of God and all that this reveals.
Just an idea..
http://www.jakecolsen.com/
What if you are tired of the legalism of today's churches and the boring motions of Christianese. Honoring positions and people and climbing club ladders.... when you are really searching for answers and want to learn what it really means to live deeply in Christ. To understand you have been made a SON of God and all that this reveals.
Just an idea..
http://www.jakecolsen.com/
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paul
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"MacUser
Absolutely, don't care how one might try to explain or rationalize it. It still comes back to the church and its leadership.
Do you think it might be the Churches fault?
Just an idea..
Absolutely, don't care how one might try to explain or rationalize it. It still comes back to the church and its leadership.
You cannot effectively love and minister to others when you are obsessed with protecting
and preserving yourself.
and preserving yourself.
Thanks for sharing MacUser! I'm on Chapter 8 - easy reading and can't wait to get to the next chapters. Not sure how it's going to end, or if I'll agree with it, but from what I've experienced in churches - it is a very good depiction.
Funny thing, I'm reading it silently and the character John has the voice of George Burns
Funny thing, I'm reading it silently and the character John has the voice of George Burns
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