Associating with the Bride of Christ
Many people today imply that they are able to serve Jesus Christ without attending a church. It is true. Americans are very individualistic and that means there is a go alone attitude. Many have different reasons about why they cannot attend a church. Some say, “Church people are hypocrites!” Others say, “The church only wants money.” Some say, “Sunday is my only time off.” Is there really a good reason, other than health problems, for church attendance not to be a priority? In his book, There Is No I In Church, Keith Drury, professor of religion at Indiana Wesleyan University writes, “Some people refuse to associate with the bride of Christ on earth. What makes them think they’d want to be a part of the bride of Christ in Heaven? If they won’t join the bride, then they won’t get married to the groom” (16). He wrote this in light of the Church, the bride, being engaged to Christ, the Groom. Some people have created busy lives for themselves which causes them to miss Church on a regular basis. Nonetheless, Jesus talked about being too busy to come to a great feast in Matthew 22:1-14; check it out. Finally, if you are not attending church on a regular basis, then it is important that you know that the people of Smith Chapel Wesleyan Church need you; and you might need them too.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Friday, October 12, 2007
Where is Robin Hood when the American Church needs him?
The story of Robin Hood stealing from the rich and giving to the poor is one of the finest stories ever told. Everyone enjoys the plot of the story. Robin Hood takes from those who do not need and gives to those who are in need. Likely, everyone thinks that this theme demonstrates real justice. So what does this story have to do with American churches? The Christian Church in the United States, this includes all denominations, and all sizes too, are financially well off; or are without financial worries. Yet, while churches seem to have enough financial capabilities to have their needs met, many tend to use their financial status as a measuring stick for success. The issue, then becomes, that God is not needed; except for forgiveness purposes and to cure various illnesses, and may be for some occasional extras. Could it be that the Church does not need her Provider? Likely , it is that because needs are being met, and God is reduced to a Genie in a bottle, instead of the God who is depended upon for all things. Faith in God seems to be less evident today than at other times in history. One might say that is because the churches have the money they need to perform day to day normal functions. What if there was not any money in these churches? It would seem that these churches who were without would need the Hand of God to supply their needs. Being without resources seems to cause a closeness among the congregation and a need for God. Consider, churches would have to start praying again; individually and corporately. People would be wandering around encouraging each other to have faith in Christ. Reminders would be passed back and forth among those in the local church that "God never fails!" If the doors were about to close, then their might even be fasting within the congregation. Scripture memorization would be a favorite past time because it would bring a comfort to those who are struggling. After all, there would be a great need that only God could supply. Then, as God began to supply needs, and since churches would be in tune with Him at that point, there might even be a desire among Christians to go out into the world and share the gospel along with healing to those in need. Wait a minute. This sounds like what the Church of the NT looks like. If financial loss could trigger such a desire for Christ, then would it be good for the Church to be robbed by a modern day Robin Hood? Who knows? But then God's money would go to His people who are in real need.
The story of Robin Hood stealing from the rich and giving to the poor is one of the finest stories ever told. Everyone enjoys the plot of the story. Robin Hood takes from those who do not need and gives to those who are in need. Likely, everyone thinks that this theme demonstrates real justice. So what does this story have to do with American churches? The Christian Church in the United States, this includes all denominations, and all sizes too, are financially well off; or are without financial worries. Yet, while churches seem to have enough financial capabilities to have their needs met, many tend to use their financial status as a measuring stick for success. The issue, then becomes, that God is not needed; except for forgiveness purposes and to cure various illnesses, and may be for some occasional extras. Could it be that the Church does not need her Provider? Likely , it is that because needs are being met, and God is reduced to a Genie in a bottle, instead of the God who is depended upon for all things. Faith in God seems to be less evident today than at other times in history. One might say that is because the churches have the money they need to perform day to day normal functions. What if there was not any money in these churches? It would seem that these churches who were without would need the Hand of God to supply their needs. Being without resources seems to cause a closeness among the congregation and a need for God. Consider, churches would have to start praying again; individually and corporately. People would be wandering around encouraging each other to have faith in Christ. Reminders would be passed back and forth among those in the local church that "God never fails!" If the doors were about to close, then their might even be fasting within the congregation. Scripture memorization would be a favorite past time because it would bring a comfort to those who are struggling. After all, there would be a great need that only God could supply. Then, as God began to supply needs, and since churches would be in tune with Him at that point, there might even be a desire among Christians to go out into the world and share the gospel along with healing to those in need. Wait a minute. This sounds like what the Church of the NT looks like. If financial loss could trigger such a desire for Christ, then would it be good for the Church to be robbed by a modern day Robin Hood? Who knows? But then God's money would go to His people who are in real need.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Study: What Teens are Looking for, Learning in Church
By
Audrey Barrick
Christian Post Reporter
Tue, Oct. 09 2007 11:35 AM ET
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What teens expect most when it comes to churches is to worship or make a connection with God, a new Barna study showed.
Enlarge this Image
(Photo: The Country Today / Paul M. Walsh, File)
Yesenia Rodriguez of Garfield, N. J., raises her hands in worship at the RCA Dome, in Indianapolis on Thursday, Aug. 9, 2007. Rodriguez was among the over 12,000 youths who listened to a spiritually motivating message, and a contemporary Christian rock band at the week-long General Council for the denomination, which has drawn over 25,000 registered people to the Indianapolis area.
Forty-five percent of American teens said that was very important to them and 42 percent seek "to better understand what I believe," according to the study released Monday.
Other important things they look for in a church include spending time with close friends (34 percent); getting encouraged or inspired (34 percent); and volunteering to help others (30 percent).
Expectations teens prioritized as less important were learning about prayer (26 percent); listening to religious teaching (26 percent); participating in discussions regarding religion and faith (23 percent); being mentored or coached in spiritual development (21 percent); discovering the traditions of their faith (20 percent); participating in a study class about faith (19 percent); and studying the Bible (18 percent).
Most teens also prefer a church that teaches how their faith should influence everyday decisions and lifestyle rather than one that teaches the traditions and background of their faith (39 percent vs. 16 percent, respectively). At the same time, 45 percent said they would not care for either type of church.
"Just because someone identifies what they want does not necessarily mean they know what they need," said David Kinnaman, lead researcher on the study. "Yet, all of the recent attention on young people gravitating to 'ancient traditions of Christianity' misses the fact that the vast majority of American teenagers do not express much interest in or appreciation for such traditions in the first place. Teenagers are a pinch-of-this-pinch-of-that generation, so without intentional decisions on the part of youth workers, many teenagers ride out their teen years in fruitless experimentation rather than genuine forms of spiritual development."
So what are teens learning in church?
According to the Barna study, 65 percent recalled learning about moral and ethical standards in the last 12 months; 62 percent learned about relationships, 55 percent learned about faith traditions and 50 percent were taught personal evangelism.
Fewer recalled church teachings on media, movies and television within the last year (35 percent); money and finances (30 percent); the supernatural world (28 percent); leisure activities (27 percent); government and law (26 percent); art and music (22 percent); health issues (21 percent); and technology (9 percent).
As a generation that grew up on the Internet, 26 percent of teens and 39 percent of born again Christian teens said they learned something about their faith or spirituality online in the last six months. Moreover, 16 percent of teens and 25 percent of born again teens said they had "a spiritual experience" online where they worshipped or connected with God.
"Born again teens are four times more likely to learn about spirituality online than they are to receive helpful perspective and insight about technology at church," said Kinnaman.
"Moreover, although their world is inundated with choices related to media, movies, television, technology, art, music, leisure, and health, most churchgoing teens tell us they rarely recall learning anything helpful on these topics in church. Perhaps as a result, many teens grow up concluding that Christianity is boring, old-fashioned and out of touch with reality. Rather than simply giving teens dos and don’ts, effective youth ministry should help them become engaged, thoughtful Christ followers who have sophisticated, biblical responses to life."
Another concern is over the prayer life of teens. While the study found that 72 percent teens today say they pray in a typical week, the figure is down from 81 percent a decade ago. Furthermore, less than half (48 percent) say they attend a worship service at a church, down from 53 percent. Even fewer attend Sunday school(35 percent), attend youth group (33 percent), participate in a small group (32 percent), and read the Bible (31 percent).
"Helping them connect with God, learn about their faith, and serve others, in a loving and relational environment are their top desires from a church," Kinnaman highlighted. "Keep in mind that young people are not spiritually transformed merely by attending a church, knowing a few Bible stories or being friends with the youth pastor. It takes addressing teens on a much deeper, personal level – such as developing their intellect and vocational passions as well as cultivating their curiosity for the complexities of life."
The report is based on nationwide surveys conducted on teenagers ages 13 to 18 in April 2005 and July 2006. The first study involved 2,409 teens and the 2006 study included 617 teens
By
Audrey Barrick
Christian Post Reporter
Tue, Oct. 09 2007 11:35 AM ET
[-]Text[+] E-mail Print RSS More on Topic
var addthis_pub = 'christianpost';
What teens expect most when it comes to churches is to worship or make a connection with God, a new Barna study showed.
Enlarge this Image
(Photo: The Country Today / Paul M. Walsh, File)
Yesenia Rodriguez of Garfield, N. J., raises her hands in worship at the RCA Dome, in Indianapolis on Thursday, Aug. 9, 2007. Rodriguez was among the over 12,000 youths who listened to a spiritually motivating message, and a contemporary Christian rock band at the week-long General Council for the denomination, which has drawn over 25,000 registered people to the Indianapolis area.
Forty-five percent of American teens said that was very important to them and 42 percent seek "to better understand what I believe," according to the study released Monday.
Other important things they look for in a church include spending time with close friends (34 percent); getting encouraged or inspired (34 percent); and volunteering to help others (30 percent).
Expectations teens prioritized as less important were learning about prayer (26 percent); listening to religious teaching (26 percent); participating in discussions regarding religion and faith (23 percent); being mentored or coached in spiritual development (21 percent); discovering the traditions of their faith (20 percent); participating in a study class about faith (19 percent); and studying the Bible (18 percent).
Most teens also prefer a church that teaches how their faith should influence everyday decisions and lifestyle rather than one that teaches the traditions and background of their faith (39 percent vs. 16 percent, respectively). At the same time, 45 percent said they would not care for either type of church.
"Just because someone identifies what they want does not necessarily mean they know what they need," said David Kinnaman, lead researcher on the study. "Yet, all of the recent attention on young people gravitating to 'ancient traditions of Christianity' misses the fact that the vast majority of American teenagers do not express much interest in or appreciation for such traditions in the first place. Teenagers are a pinch-of-this-pinch-of-that generation, so without intentional decisions on the part of youth workers, many teenagers ride out their teen years in fruitless experimentation rather than genuine forms of spiritual development."
So what are teens learning in church?
According to the Barna study, 65 percent recalled learning about moral and ethical standards in the last 12 months; 62 percent learned about relationships, 55 percent learned about faith traditions and 50 percent were taught personal evangelism.
Fewer recalled church teachings on media, movies and television within the last year (35 percent); money and finances (30 percent); the supernatural world (28 percent); leisure activities (27 percent); government and law (26 percent); art and music (22 percent); health issues (21 percent); and technology (9 percent).
As a generation that grew up on the Internet, 26 percent of teens and 39 percent of born again Christian teens said they learned something about their faith or spirituality online in the last six months. Moreover, 16 percent of teens and 25 percent of born again teens said they had "a spiritual experience" online where they worshipped or connected with God.
"Born again teens are four times more likely to learn about spirituality online than they are to receive helpful perspective and insight about technology at church," said Kinnaman.
"Moreover, although their world is inundated with choices related to media, movies, television, technology, art, music, leisure, and health, most churchgoing teens tell us they rarely recall learning anything helpful on these topics in church. Perhaps as a result, many teens grow up concluding that Christianity is boring, old-fashioned and out of touch with reality. Rather than simply giving teens dos and don’ts, effective youth ministry should help them become engaged, thoughtful Christ followers who have sophisticated, biblical responses to life."
Another concern is over the prayer life of teens. While the study found that 72 percent teens today say they pray in a typical week, the figure is down from 81 percent a decade ago. Furthermore, less than half (48 percent) say they attend a worship service at a church, down from 53 percent. Even fewer attend Sunday school(35 percent), attend youth group (33 percent), participate in a small group (32 percent), and read the Bible (31 percent).
"Helping them connect with God, learn about their faith, and serve others, in a loving and relational environment are their top desires from a church," Kinnaman highlighted. "Keep in mind that young people are not spiritually transformed merely by attending a church, knowing a few Bible stories or being friends with the youth pastor. It takes addressing teens on a much deeper, personal level – such as developing their intellect and vocational passions as well as cultivating their curiosity for the complexities of life."
The report is based on nationwide surveys conducted on teenagers ages 13 to 18 in April 2005 and July 2006. The first study involved 2,409 teens and the 2006 study included 617 teens
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Disconnected
Each Christian must battle with the feeling of being disconnected from Christ at times. These are better thought of as seasons that each Christian goes through in which Christ seems so distant. It is important to know that these distant times are linked to responsibilities Christians have to themselves. Responsibilities to self include prayer, fasting, and meditation and are more commonly called spiritual disciplines. Nonetheless, these responsibilities may be conveniently swept under the rug by a believer. What is more, these are inward disciplines which are easy to hide from others. It is easy to claim to follow Jesus Christ. However, to follow Christ, one must connect with Him on a daily basis. Further, one cannot be content on a decision that was made to serve Christ years earlier. Instead, it should be an active commitment by the one who has given his or her life to Him. These three disciplines help to regulate a person so that he or she will be in tune with Christ. Moreover, these are what Christians are responsible for in his or her spiritual growth. Consequently, if a Christian is not growing spiritually, then it is likely that these daily exercises are not being performed; for lack of time, or simply consciously neglected. Again, prayer, fasting, and meditation are being swept under the rug by many Christians. In other words, the house may look clean, but it’s really not since the dirt is only hidden. As a result, it is highly recommended that those who desire to know Christ on a personal level should follow this Scriptural roadmap for growth in Christ. These are a means to plug back into Christ.
Each Christian must battle with the feeling of being disconnected from Christ at times. These are better thought of as seasons that each Christian goes through in which Christ seems so distant. It is important to know that these distant times are linked to responsibilities Christians have to themselves. Responsibilities to self include prayer, fasting, and meditation and are more commonly called spiritual disciplines. Nonetheless, these responsibilities may be conveniently swept under the rug by a believer. What is more, these are inward disciplines which are easy to hide from others. It is easy to claim to follow Jesus Christ. However, to follow Christ, one must connect with Him on a daily basis. Further, one cannot be content on a decision that was made to serve Christ years earlier. Instead, it should be an active commitment by the one who has given his or her life to Him. These three disciplines help to regulate a person so that he or she will be in tune with Christ. Moreover, these are what Christians are responsible for in his or her spiritual growth. Consequently, if a Christian is not growing spiritually, then it is likely that these daily exercises are not being performed; for lack of time, or simply consciously neglected. Again, prayer, fasting, and meditation are being swept under the rug by many Christians. In other words, the house may look clean, but it’s really not since the dirt is only hidden. As a result, it is highly recommended that those who desire to know Christ on a personal level should follow this Scriptural roadmap for growth in Christ. These are a means to plug back into Christ.
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