Some time ago somebody asked the question why our churches are running empty? I believe the answer lies in our pulpit!!

If any of our preachers/ministers were transformed back to the time of the Acts of the Apostles(beginning of the Church), would we survive ? The difference between our congregations today and the "audience" of that time is the fact that they were informed. Any message that was preached was challenged, no wonder the Apostles had such a hard time. Today we get away with murder, preaching a Gospel that needs all kinds of trappings "to make the Church interesting" Other denominations draw our folks because they are not taught the foundation of our faith. Bible Studies are non-existent, and where they do, the milk that beleivers are fed leaves much to be desired. Most of our preachers reacons that preaching is about 60 - 80% of their ministry. As far as I understand God's word, preaching should be about 5% of our ministry. Let us go back to our roots, find out the Mission the Lord sent us on and be busy with that, and not be found wanting when He comes.

Love Clive

-- Anonymous, August 15, 2002

Answers

OOOOOOO Clive, now you're talking my kinda talk! That is SOOOOO true what you have said!! AMEN!!!

-- Anonymous, August 20, 2002

I think that churches run empty when the leadership begins to run empty. If leadership relays empty messages, then people will not have a desire to learn more and more... which is the purpose of the church. If, holding to the original purpose of the church, leadership taught instead of preached emotionally swaying empty and repetitive messages, then the pews would be filled to the brim. When you have nothing to say worthwhile, no one will listen. People are not as ignorant as leadership takes them to be. What do I mean by that? If you treat people like the intelligent beings they are, encourage them to seek the reality of what God is, who they are, and the meaning of life, they can never get bored with showing up on Sunday and listening to you.... unless you yourself as a spiritual leader have become bored with God and yourself. I think that far to often churches relegate God to this far off distant unreachable thing they are unworthy of experiencing in a personal way, in everything. People are taught to anticipate something far off instead of enjoying and exploring the now. That can never become boring; but waiting for something far off can. I think it is really a matter of truly living what you teach, and when people see that, they stick around.

-- Anonymous, June 27, 2003

Our churches are running empty because of several reasons: Many of our leaders act as if they are holier than Thou. Refusing to give a real testimony for fear of losing credibility. People are looking for someone who can relate to what they are going through. God is real and we should be real also.

Far too often we fail to witness in the community around our churches and in our neighborhoods. How can the churches be filled if they lay doesn't witness. Many will come if they are asked. This is not solely the pastor's responsibilty. "Sheep begat sheep." If our church is dying, the lay should be held accountable. We should be ministry minded and extend our reach to fill our churches. There should be something available for all ages to grow in the knowledge of Christ. We should not discriminate against the crack addict, the alcoholic, the homosexual, the pedifile, etc. Christ died for all of us and His mission was to save that which is lost. Shouldn't we?

When potential members visit our churches, do we receive them with open arms? Do we make it a point to find out who they are and extend an invitation to join us in the work of our ministries? Are we really interested in what they need and are we willing to go that extra mile to accomodate them?

-- Anonymous, April 29, 2004

Sheep beget sheep. Please walk a mile in my (the pastors) shoes before yopu criticize. There are many things wrong with our church that stifles growth that can only be fixed by an informed and dedicated Lay.

-- Anonymous, April 29, 2004