While one source reports a 5% increase in churchgoers in the UK, the Gallup reports for the U.S. are showing no growth. While we find ourselves in tough economic times, and the news is filled with doom and gloom our churches are not growing.
I was expecting otherwise. While we might pat each other on the back since church attendance is stable, in these tough times we need to ask ourselves where are people turning and why aren’t they turning to the church.
As I pondered this I looked at a few churches, to see how they might be addressing this and while some churches seem to have the pulse of the people, many are missing the boat. I see sermon series like:
- Strategy for Spiritual Success
- Finding your place of ministry
- James : Time to Grow Up
These are all great and powerful teachings, but maybe today people need to know that God is here for them, has a plan for them. Maybe it’s time that we made it more about them, less about us and all about Him.
We are facing tough times and the church should be, can be, a place of refuge. I wonder what else we can do to be that place.
e. barrett
February 3, 2009
Whether it’s fair or not, I think churches are commonly viewed as not offering practical ways that can help our lives. So people think, “why should I go to church? They can’t help me any way.”
Nathan
February 3, 2009
I agree. Or, “Why should I go somewhere to feel worse about myself when I can just watch the news at home and feel bad enough.” Again, not fair, but maybe a factor.
Paul Stewart
February 3, 2009
Actually “James:Time to Grow Up” sounds pretty apropos for a rich, spoiled nation that is finally starting to see the results of its idolatry to consumption.
James 5:1-3 “Look here, you rich people: Weep and grown with anguish because of all the terrible troubles ahead of you. Your wealth is rotting away, and your fine clothes are moth-eaten rags. Your gold and silver have become worthless. The very wealth you were counting on will eat away your flesh like fire.”
Kevin D. Hendricks
February 4, 2009
I’m encouraged to see churches stepping forward and helping the unemployed. I heard about a job transition group at a local church that had 120 people attending, and your first visit usually lasted 3 hours. They’re not just swapping stories over coffee and praying, they’re bringing in recruiters and helping people figure out how to look for jobs.
That’s cool.
stacy
February 4, 2009
Maybe people don’t want to face the collection plate. (The figurative as well as the physical one.)
I’ve seen mention of the different negative stereotypes the church has to over come. Well, one of those negative stereotypes is that church is a business and churches are always looking for hand outs.
(I’m not saying that’s my view…I’m saying that IS a popular opinion.)
church evangelism ideas
August 18, 2009
I do agree that many churches do not offer practicle teaching for the day we live it. I do however have to say that the message does not depend on our needs… it depends on God. I remember times that people needed help and God would talk about something else.