Forgive me if I misrepresent a post you made Mark.

Mark in a post made mention (Guerrilla Christianity) of a church raising leaders as opposed to hiring outside the congregation. Success in this Texas church was due to the "chemistry" that was there. (The people were good matches of the personality of the church)This sounds great for the lay-leader but is it a crap-shoot, as far as chemistry, for the person comming in from outside the congregation? Seems rather difficult to sense the "chemistry factor" from a weekend trial sermon...

I've heard a generalization that states, "over time, the congregation takes on the personality of the leadership, specifically the Preaching Minister" - remember hearing it in college, probably read it somewhere too but cannot recall documentation...please forgive What do you think?

-- Anonymous, January 21, 2000

Answers

Jason -

I had to comment on your "sounds great for the lay-leader but is it a crap-shoot, as far as chemistry, for the person comming in from outside the congregation? Seems rather difficult to sense the "chemistry factor" from a weekend trial sermon..."

I found this on the AOL "Pastor's and Minister's" Bulletin Board. Its pretty frightening when you consider it.

"Subject: False Church Pastors Date: Wed, 19 January 2000 09:21 PM EST From: LoneAngel2203 Message-id: <20000119212128.03574.00000154@ng-cs1.aol.com>

I am an Evangilist who has God's Word to share. Problem is too many busines operating Preachers who don't want an outsider coming into "THEIR" Church. It amazes me how much better I am treated by sinners than professing Christians and Preachers.

God still heals the sick, raises the dead and is the same today as he was yesterday. Why do we have so much division? satans church grows stronger everyday and we as Christians are helping them. I would love to share God's word to me on this..

I could use some true Christian Friends if you know of any..."

-- Anonymous, January 21, 2000