It strikes me that one of the key signs I’ve seen of a church becoming sick is deflection. Sunday School not growing? It’s all those parents who care more about Sunday sports leagues, etc.. Linked strongly with street fighter and cool kid—all about central people, etc..
I’ve seen every one of the these churches and am well acquainted with some who are currently in one or more of these conditions. BTW, I think Tyler an I may have pastored the same church!
Could these signs apply to associations/fellowships as well?
"Some things are of that nature as to make one's fancy chuckle, while his heart doth ache." John Bunyan
…Scripture tells us that the very Gates of Hell shall not prevail. Repent of un-Biblical mindsets and attitudes, recover a Biblical center, and good things will happen. It did repeatedly in the times of the Judges, in the times of the Kings, in the times of the Prophets, and more.
(maybe the FBFI could start by finally , after 7 months of waiting, offering a working definition for “convergent”….or maybe I’m just being silly here)
Discussion
NewMy Old Church
A combination of “nostalgic” and “street fighter.” Not a healthy place.
Tyler is a pastor in Olympia, WA and works in State government.
NewDeflector
It strikes me that one of the key signs I’ve seen of a church becoming sick is deflection. Sunday School not growing? It’s all those parents who care more about Sunday sports leagues, etc.. Linked strongly with street fighter and cool kid—all about central people, etc..
Aspiring to be a stick in the mud.
NewAssociations Too
I’ve seen every one of the these churches and am well acquainted with some who are currently in one or more of these conditions. BTW, I think Tyler an I may have pastored the same church!
Could these signs apply to associations/fellowships as well?
"Some things are of that nature as to make one's fancy chuckle, while his heart doth ache." John Bunyan
NewRon
You wrote:
You just stepped on the third rail … I think you make a good point!
Tyler is a pastor in Olympia, WA and works in State government.
NewAre We Whistling Past the Graveyard?
Is Ranier seeing things that don’t apply to us? Are we healthy?
Where are our new church members coming from? Are they new converts, second generation members, or fish from other aquariums?
What do our established churches (or associations) look like compared to 20 years ago?
"Some things are of that nature as to make one's fancy chuckle, while his heart doth ache." John Bunyan
NewRon
Yes, we are generally whistling past the graveyard. Look at the ACCC. Look at the FBFI. Death spiral.
Tyler is a pastor in Olympia, WA and works in State government.
NewAnd yet...
…Scripture tells us that the very Gates of Hell shall not prevail. Repent of un-Biblical mindsets and attitudes, recover a Biblical center, and good things will happen. It did repeatedly in the times of the Judges, in the times of the Kings, in the times of the Prophets, and more.
(maybe the FBFI could start by finally , after 7 months of waiting, offering a working definition for “convergent”….or maybe I’m just being silly here)
Aspiring to be a stick in the mud.