Turns out that the best recipe for church growth is solid, conservative theology. Who'da thunk?!The Main Ingredient for Church Growth | Stand to Reason
The Main Ingredient for Church Growth -- interesting study!
- Thread starter santuzza
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Growth for modern day churches?
Offer free food, vacations, exposure for their businesses, entertainment, and tickle their ears.
I'm sorry if this sounds mean but sadly it's true. ❤
No question, we are a culture that loves to be entertained. I’m not attacking church entertainment but let’s be honest. For some pastors it’s not about saving souls, it’s about trying to attract large numbers of people. The end result is that the house of God has become like the world.
2 Timothy 4:3
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but having itching ears, they shall heap to themselves teachers in accordance with their own lusts.
Offer free food, vacations, exposure for their businesses, entertainment, and tickle their ears.
I'm sorry if this sounds mean but sadly it's true. ❤
No question, we are a culture that loves to be entertained. I’m not attacking church entertainment but let’s be honest. For some pastors it’s not about saving souls, it’s about trying to attract large numbers of people. The end result is that the house of God has become like the world.
2 Timothy 4:3
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but having itching ears, they shall heap to themselves teachers in accordance with their own lusts.
I go to a modern day church and there is very little "entertainment" but
even at that the music is praise and worship... is that really entertainment?
I wonder about these churches people talk about, where the Truth of God's
Word is not preached or being taught... I am not interested in such a place,
and so cannot imagine being part of one as a born again believer. I go to
a place of worship (church) to hear the Word of God, and fellowship with
other believers.
even at that the music is praise and worship... is that really entertainment?
I wonder about these churches people talk about, where the Truth of God's
Word is not preached or being taught... I am not interested in such a place,
and so cannot imagine being part of one as a born again believer. I go to
a place of worship (church) to hear the Word of God, and fellowship with
other believers.
The true church the one that Jesus said He would build is still being built on the gospel message. It rests securely on the blood that Jesus shed on Calvary. It stands secure in the resurrection bodily of Jesus from the tomb. Hell cannot prevail against this truth.
Now if the church loses confidence in the word of God and Gods ability to add souls to the church through preaching of sound doctrine then the church visible will resort to mans wisdom and will adapt to the culture instead of being salt and light in the world. When pastors become as Isaiah said dumb dogs that cannot bark the congregations will doubtless be overcome and have no witness for Christ. Isaiah 56:10
Are we to be like the culture of the world or to be like our Savior Christ?
For the cause of Christ
Roger
Now if the church loses confidence in the word of God and Gods ability to add souls to the church through preaching of sound doctrine then the church visible will resort to mans wisdom and will adapt to the culture instead of being salt and light in the world. When pastors become as Isaiah said dumb dogs that cannot bark the congregations will doubtless be overcome and have no witness for Christ. Isaiah 56:10
Are we to be like the culture of the world or to be like our Savior Christ?
For the cause of Christ
Roger
Grounded, Biblical theology coupled with strong discipleship will not necessarily grow the church 100% of the time. But it will make the Church less-likely to be influenced by the boom and the bust of things...with the occasional sustained boom.
It's comparable to having a stock in cheap beer or cigarettes. Recession-proof, but still grows when the environment is conducive to growth.
Not a perfect analogy, but sufficient.
It's comparable to having a stock in cheap beer or cigarettes. Recession-proof, but still grows when the environment is conducive to growth.
Not a perfect analogy, but sufficient.
I gave this post a "LIKE". Then I took it back when I realized we probably mean just the opposite.
I suspect you mean that if there is a problem in the church, God shows up with Truth to save the day.
And it has been my experience that usually whenever God shows a Truth to many churches, it tends to cause problems among the comfortable and content congregation.
I do hope I misread your meaning.
I suspect you mean that if there is a problem in the church, God shows up with Truth to save the day.
And it has been my experience that usually whenever God shows a Truth to many churches, it tends to cause problems among the comfortable and content congregation.
I do hope I misread your meaning.
J
Scripture indicates that the contemporary religious structure when Christ was here in the flesh, was contrary to His teachings on several issues. He was, and I'm using the past tense for pedagogical reasons, hence this is about the period He was amongst us in person, acting notoriously radical, and, was harshly criticizing the conservatives of that time.
As for semantics, what I believe we need to focus on, is His Grace and not so much for whether He was conservative or not. As somebody's pointed out, the Gospel is key.
As for semantics, what I believe we need to focus on, is His Grace and not so much for whether He was conservative or not. As somebody's pointed out, the Gospel is key.