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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | When did the catholic church go wrong? | Bible general Archive 1 | Hank | 25985 | ||
There are possibly any number of reasons why smaller churches are closing their doors, but it seems to me that two of them could be classified as major. The first is the fact that some denominations, especially those who have been tagged as 'mainline' churches -- e.g., Presbyterian, Methodist, and Episcopalian, to name three -- have over the last several years steadily decreased in numbers, both in membership and church buildings...... The second is the relatively new organism known as the 'mega church.' As the large discount houses gradually snuffed out most of the 'mom and pop' stores, so the mega churches have dramatically impacted the small neighborhood church. As the mom and pop stores could not compete with the attractive menu being presented by the hugh discount centers, so the small neighborhood church could not compete with the dazzling variety of programs being offered by the large regional churches..... The automobile (at least two in virtually every garage) has made it possible for both the super store and the mega church to flourish..... These are but two of who knows how many reasons for the sweeping changes we have seen in church attendance, or lack of it, in the last 50 years or so. But, Joe, as you say, God continues to draw people into the fold. --Hank | ||||||
2 | When did the catholic church go wrong? | Bible general Archive 1 | EdB | 26063 | ||
Hank Your right and here is another statistic to go with what you said about Mega churches. 95 percent of the people in the US attend churches over 1000. However 90 percent of the churches in America are 150 or less. Here is one fact that I find disturbing. In our denomination they made a concentrated effort to establish new churches in Florida, which is experiencing phenomenal grow, during the period of time of 1990 thru 2000. They opened 1204 new churches but during the same period 1200 closed for a net gain of 4 in ten years in a state with explosive growth. Now attendance figures soared but it apparently was all in Mega churches where people sort of blend in, never have to make a commitment, and get lost in the crowd. EdB |
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3 | When did the catholic church go wrong? | Bible general Archive 1 | Reformer Joe | 26170 | ||
Ed: Ninety-five percent? That's a staggering figure! Where did you get that number from? One thing that's very interesting is that we are attending a church whose membership numbers in the thousands, but it defies every other definition of a mega-church. It does have a wide variety of programs, but every single one of them is centered around edification of believers in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ and extending the reach of the Kingdom into the world. It is very hard to be a pew-sitter in this church with such a focus on glorifying God with our entire existence. In fact, our pastor today (as he often does) declared without hesitation that being a pew-sitter is not an option for the follower of Christ. The fascinating thing about it is that I certainly didn't go there because of its size, but it seems that the growth of the church is not due to a contemporary "worship" (which it certainly does not have) or a "feel-good" sermon addressing felt needs (think solid, unapologizing Reformation doctrine), but rather due to the Holy Spirit working in the hearts of a community to bring them together to truly honor Him. I usually have been adverse to larger churches beacuse of the mega-church syndrome, but a "shopping-mall church" this ain't! --Joe! |
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4 | When did the catholic church go wrong? | Bible general Archive 1 | EdB | 26219 | ||
Joe The 95 percent figure came from an article entitled 'In Praise of the 7-11 Congregations' published in Enrichment magazine Winter 2002. It was making the comparison between 7-11 stores (small churches) and big super markets (mega churches). Very interesting article, very interesting analogy. In the article the statement is made that children of baby boomers are less impressed with bigness and eloquence (normally associated with large “successful” churches) and are more concerned with sincerity, integrity, authenticity and interaction found in the smaller “less successful churches”. They are born into a ‘Star Trek’ world but carry ‘Leave it to Beaver’ ideals. The small church is just around the corner, convenient and accessible, offering personal service while the Mega church is across town, harder to reach and has less personal service. EdB |
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