Ive been reading a book by Wolfgang Simson called "House Churches that change the world." So far it is FANTASTIC!
A church had 50 new people come to an evangelistic meeting, no one got saved or stayed on at the church but the pastor told someone, "Its ok, we're following them up."
Now, most people I know would say that the majority of people get saved through relationmships etc outside of the church building, service etc. Rather its by people evangelising them, talking and journeying with them outside the church.
Why do we put so much emphasis on "church" if it doesnt get people saved o discipled? Its simply not working. Some churches grow yes. But when we look at the population of Australia and see how many are getting saved we're not making any in-roads. WHY?
Is it that people dont want the gospel or we as Christians arent taking them the gospel? In all of my talks to people at target, 614, people on the street etc, from looking at tv shows, songs on the radio, books and magazines in secular Australia, there is NO DOUBT IN MY MIND THAT PEOPLE ARE SEARCHING! So what is wrong?
The definition of crazy, "Doing the same thing over and over expecting a different result." Are we doing that with church? Are we trying to reinvent something that DOES NOT WORK? Why is church as it it? What is its purpose?
From looking at it, its for those already saved, people possibly too traditional, too comfortable to jump out of the boat and into the sea to save souls. Am I being too harsh?I dont think so. But, what do you think about church? Is it effective? (Also, take a look at Mike Colemans blog which talks about the state of TSA...)
I'll explain some of my therefores in later posts....
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
ME CHURCH
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3 comments:
Hi Captain Thompson,
I think that you may be onto something here.
Hey, Have you read Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell?
I think he has a lot of answers to why church just aint workin for many.
Best Christian book I have read.
Teackles.
I really think the REASON for church has been lost, many people simply aren't going for the right reasons... Perhaps this is an issue as well with the Army really being a 'movement' rather than 'religion'. People might be turning up expecting a spiritual pat on the back to get them warm & fuzzy for life... We're an ARMY, without fighting for something (being active in our Faith), we really aren't fulfilling our mission or our prophetic place in the larger Body of Christ! (I think if we held Soldiers accountable for being active in ministry, we may see more fruit and more signing up).
I don't think you're being harsh about being too comfortable to jump out of the boat, we've created a nice little 'sub-culture' to huddle into. The church as a whole, isn't as effective as it could be (our stats are looking quite bad).
This said, the church is the 'Bride of Christ'... and I don't think divorce is in the picture! If we return to our 'first love' (Jesus) then I see that the church could once again be a vibrant, active force for both Saving souls and growing workers.
Bless ya James! Keep the fire burning (safety matches aren't 'safe' when they've been lit!)
havent read velvet elvis but am reading a GREAT book by Wolfgang Simson "House Churches that change the world..." So far it is an amazing book! You should hava read if u get a chance too....
Jo, Im not saying the church is bad. Im saying the structure that we have for church is. We didnt have congregation type services until constantine made Christianity the official religion. Until then they had had house churches and celebrations with everyone joining together...
the way we do church is wrong. church is so much more than a boring meeting on sunday... hmmmm i'll write more soon!!!
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