Subject: When did the catholic church go wrong? |
Bible Note: 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 |