ZEALOUS APPRECIATION

I was twenty-four when I was appointed to serve the Jeannette, PA Free Methodist Church.  They had just finished a brand new building on a seven acre lot in the middle of a new development of homes in Harrison City.  Sadly, however, the congregation had experienced a severe division in the process and I inherited a congregation of about forty people - mostly older.

I was a well-educated college/seminary candidate with a year-and-a-half of experience from student-pastoring a church in the Hoosier mountains of southern Indiana.  Little did I know that my education was really just about to begin.

Realizing that the church desperately needed to grow to be able to handle its debt to the conference of over $70,000 (1976), I began teaching about evangelism and how to lead others to faith in Christ.  After six months - we had no new people.  :-(

I attended a mandatory minister's conference in New York where Dr. Wyn Arn trained us for several days on the methods of church growth via graphs, charts and strategies.  Upon returning home, I decided that if the people weren't going to grow the church, then I would try to do it.  I stopped much of what I had been doing and started down Oak Lane getting to know our neighbors.  I also began to visit people who had formerly attended the church.  

God blessed my efforts with dozens of new conversions.  Attendance doubled - and then tripled in a very short time!  Most of the growth was through family systems.  

[I hope to publish my memoirs, I Want to be a Preacher Like Uncle Hoppy, before fall this year.  Many of the details of this growth will be documented there.  Sadly, the Pittsburgh Conference closed the Jeannette Church and sold it just five years ago.]

One of the young women who came alive in Christ was extremely capable and zealous.  She stepped in and took over leading the Vacation Bible School that summer using almost all new people to staff it.  In working together, she learned that I had a longing for a brass cross and candle sticks for our Communion Table.

Low and behold, she secretly took up a collection and purchased this expensive gift.  At the closing program of the VBS, she presented it to me publicly.  I was overwhelmed with joy!  As I stepped forward to acknowledge the gift, I noticed that she had placed the followed plague on the bottom of the cross:

I joyfully accepted the gift.  

When everyone had left, I spoke with her privately and thanked her for her thoughtfulness and kindness.  After expressing my absolute joy at the expensive gift, I told her that it seemed awkward to have my name emblazoned on Christ's Cross.  She was an intelligent woman and quickly saw the delicacy of my situation.  She quickly removed it from the front of the cross and placed it on the back instead.  :-)

When I left that church, I removed it completely and just came across it today while sorting through old paraphernalia.  Good, good memories!  Thought I'd share this sweet, innocent story with you today!  

OUR PART IS ESSENTIAL!

 Let's look at this logically - straight from God's Word:

II Corinthians 4:4

The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light  of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

That's Satan!  He lays a thick veil over their minds so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of Christ.

Only God the Creator can open eyes the devil has blinded.  

II Corinthians 4:6

For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

Here, then, are two so-called gods locked in a life-and-death struggle - on the one hand, "the god of this age" (v.4) and on the other, "the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1:3).  

The devil blinds the minds of unbelievers, but God shines into darkened hearts (v.6).

Do we have anything to contribute?  

If the devil blinds and God shines, would it not be prudent for us to withdraw from the field of battle and leave them to fight it out?  This seems to be the posture that most 21st century Christians are taking.  

But in between the two verses quoted above, we find:  (v.5)

For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake.

SO:

• the devil blinds (v.4)
• God shines (v.6), and
• we preach Jesus Christ as Lord (v.5)

Our role is indispensable!  Allowing His light to shine through our words, actions, and priorities WILL IMPACT THOSE WHO COME INTO CONTACT WITH US!  

Don't drop the ball!  Your family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, even the people you incidentally criss-cross with throughout any given day - can be impacted for ALL ETERNITY by YOU!  You can rip Satan's hands from blinding their minds through your witness and your prayers!  

The failure of the church that I’ve documented so clearly in recent blog articles is largely a result of individual believers failing to live up to their biblical responsibility!  The church is responsible to equip the saints for the work of ministry!

Let those thoughts reframe your day!  

A FAILING ENTERPRISE IN AMERICA?

"The sky is falling!  The sky is falling!"  [Chicken Little]

I don't want to be accused of pessimism, but a good dose of reality can be awakening.

A good friend of mine, Rick Anderson, posted an article on Facebook this morning titled:  U.S. Church Membership Falls Below Majority for First Time.  Most won't read it, so I'll provide the highlights:

U.S. Church Membership Falls Below Majority for First Time (gallup.com)

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• In 2020, 47% of U.S. adults belonged to a church, synagogue or mosque
• Down more than 20 points from turn of the century
• Change primarily due to rise in Americans with no religious preference

The analysis that I found most disturbing had to do with the various generations.  

                                                                   2020 member stats           1998-2020

Traditionalists (born before 1946)            66%                             -11 per. pnts.

Baby Boomers (1946-1964)                       58%                              -9 per. pnts.

Generation X (1965-1980)                         50%                              -12 per. pnts.

Millennials (1981-1996)                             36%                                   n/a

Generation Z (1996-2010)                          28%                                   n/a

[Keep in mind that each year the younger generations are making up an increasingly larger part of the entire U.S. adult population.]

Hal's observations:

1.  Church membership is just one way of measuring religion.  Membership has been de-emphasized in many churches in recent decades.  This may be a factor in the above stats.

2.  The effects of the COVID pandemic are yet to be fully realized and evaluated.  There is little doubt that the impact is significant!

3.  Somewhere in the last several decades the church began to model itself after nightclubs:  low lighting, performance modes of worship, theater seating, use of video and PowerPoint, larger venues, language changes (i.e. Sanctuary/Auditorium, Church/Campus).  One could deduce that these changes have been rejected by the religious populace.

4.  As far back as the 1980's, John Maxwell and others introduced the need for church leaders to transition from pastors to CEO's.  The emergence of mega-churches and highly recognized Christian leaders gradually created a downflow of new structures and methods to even small churches.  One could ask:  Has abandoning biblical models in favor of corporate models hurt our message?

5.  Music/worship changes have been enormous over the past couple of decades.  However, music transitions are not new to the church:  

• Hymns dominated church worship for centuries, 
• Gaithers, Gospel Music and country music (1960's to present), 
• Praise and Worship Music [Maranatha/Integrity] (1980's and 90's), 
• Performance-based contemporary music (1980's to present).  

For centuries we sang our theology;  since back-burnering this practice, has the church become anemic?  

________________________________________________

LONGING FOR HEAVEN

I've recently been mulling over II Corinthians 5:1-10.  [Read it if you like...]

For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. For we live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

In my notebook I summarized this teaching as follows:

• While in this body, we groan and are burdened.
• Christians live by faith, not by sight.
• Christians long to be at home with the Lord (v.8).
• Consequently, we make it our goal to please Him (v.9). 
• Finally - ultimately - judgment will come (v.10)!

I've been trying to evaluate myself in light of these truths.  It's been a challenge.  

Do I groan and feel burdened in this world?

It's an easy answer - YES!  I do.  

I deal with disappointments and frustrations nearly daily.  

• rude people
• disillusionment with our government
• stress
• physical pain
• loneliness
• despair
• fear

Do I live by faith, not by sight?

Another easy answer - Not to the extent that I should!

It's easy and natural to respond to what we see.  It takes more effort to live by faith!  It takes intentionality, focus, time, priority...

I'm usually Lyft driving now.  Instead, I'm in my home office communing with God, studying His Word, and sharing my thoughts.  It is part of a deliberate attempt to reconnect vitally with the Lord!  It is an attempt to give Him an opportunity to help me live by faith...

Do I long to be at home with the Lord?

Everything in me wants to say 'Yes', but to be honest, I must admit that I don't think about Heaven every day.  I'm not sure I fully understand or appreciate the desire to be finished here and move on to the glories of Heaven.  

I've studied Heaven in the scriptures.  I've preached about Heaven.  During my growing-up-years, many of the hymns we sang focused on Heaven.  I have family and friends who - I believe - have gone there ahead of me.  I believe in the reality of Heaven as a real place that is beyond our ability to imagine.  

When I consciously review the above list of disappointments and frustrations, I can feel the urging and relief that can emerge from thoughts of being in Heaven.  

We just celebrated Juneteenth - a day to remember the end of slavery in our country.  These precious people left us a legacy of faith through music that helped them endure:

Soon I will be done with the troubles of this world, the troubles of this world, the troubles of this world.  

Soon I will be done with the troubles of this world - going home to live with God!

No more weeping and wailing...

I want to meet my mother...

I want to meet King Jesus...

The horrendous injustice they experienced deepened their faith in a God who would someday deliver them!  

That same God will also deliver us from the things that burden and discourage us!

Am I making it my goal to please Him?

The world wants us to believe that Heaven is our default setting.  They're wrong!  Hell is our default setting!  

Going to Heaven is for those who have lived to please Him and who know Him as their personal Lord and SAVIOR!  

I have answered this question and it has driven me to make some changes in my life.  

Each of us has to come to a similar place of evaluation.  

    Would Jesus give me an 'atta-boy' for the ways I'm living my life?  

    Would He be pleased with my priorities?

    Would my actions gain His approval?

    Do my words bring Him honor?

    Are my thoughts honorable?

    Is He pleased with the way I treat (or think about) others?

I think Sunday - the Lord's Day - was intended to be a day in which we would have time to reflect on these kinds of questions...

Do I fully realize that someday I WILL stand before the judgment seat of Christ?

He knows my heart.

He knows my thoughts.

He knows my intentions.

He loves me and forgives me.

He is gracious and kind.

But He cannot be fooled.  

 My Lord,

Thank You for being merciful and kind!

Thank You for Your patience and persistence in pursuing me! 

Meet me here daily as I search Your Word and seek Your will.

Strengthen my resolve to be Your man for this season!

           Help me to be a positive influence on my family, friends, neighbors,        and even the strangers that You allow me to intersect with on a daily basis.

May my love for You grow and become infectious in my interactions with others.

For Your Kingdom's sake.  Amen.

 

 

 

 

FOURTH CHURCH VISIT

I visited a church in a sub-rural setting this morning.  Plenty of parking and open space.  

I arrived fifteen minutes early during Sunday School.  The property was nicely kept and the building had a pleasant appeal.  The main entrance was recognizable.  I was greeted by a man as I entered.  He remarked that he didn't know me and gave me his name - also asking for mine.  He escorted me inside to the 'Welcome Center' and turned me over to a woman there who introduced herself and had me fill out a 'Visitor's Form'.  She then gave me a gift bag and some information from the staff as well as the week's information sheet.  

By the way, it was the nicest gift I've received as a newcomer at a church:  a coffee mug, with six pieces of candy, a nice little notebook/pen with the church logo, and a booklet by a Christian author - all in a nice gift bag with tissue paper.  :-)

I entered the auditorium which was nearly empty with ten minutes till worship.  The countdown started at five minutes and worship began on time - even though there were only about seventy of us spread out in a space with over two hundred chairs Twenty minutes later there were nearly one-hundred-twenty present - with 70% sitting in the back six rows and the rest sprinkled around in the front rows.  Many raised their hands during worship and one woman jumped around front and center - apparently really enjoying these moments of praise and worship.  .  

The auditorium had no windows and was capable of being completely darkened.  The young woman who led worship indicated that she and a couple others were substitutes for team members who were on vacation.  She had a crystal clear voice and led humbly and capably.  The team did not draw unnecessary attention to themselves and were quite good!  We sang four worship songs that took up nearly a half-hour.  The PowerPoint was run horribly;  we couldn't sing the first line of each verse/chorus because we didn't get the words in a timely fashion.

Then came a surprise.  After such a wonderful time of preparation, a woman came forward to lead us in prayer and then we heard announcements for ten minutes.  If not surprised enough, then we were told to take a break.  Some, not many, left for a cup of coffee.  A few greeted their neighbors.  Most of us just sat and waited.  The children left for age-level programming at this point.  Those attending were mostly younger with a healthy sprinkling of most generations.  There didn't seem to be many present over the age of seventy.  

CAVEAT

I was seated on an aisle on the right side.  I began to notice a young girl dancing at the front on our side.  She seemed to have a physical disability that made it difficult for her to dance, so she basically twirled to the music.  Then, her Mom arrived and danced with her - which I thought was precious!  Gradually, Mom guided her further to the side so as not to be a distraction.  Later, I realized that her father was the lay-speaker for Father's Day.

I was also greeted by a man (before worship) who gave me a 'Father's Day' gift - a coupon for $5 off at a nearby meat market!   Very nice!  Later, during the break, his wife also came and greeted me!   

When the meeting resumed, this younger man came forward to speak using a laptop as his source.  He was well prepared and brought a straightforward message from the scripture about the value of our words.  He began by pointing out that 'words of affirmation' is one of Gary Chapman's Love Languages.  Then he referred to the loving words of encouragement spoken by a maid/nanny to the little girl constantly berated by her mother in the movie, THE HELP:  "You is kind.  You is smart.  You is important."

He then played a video of him and his precious little girl when she was a bit younger.  He was repeating a similar mantra with her and she was providing the last word of each sentence.  He referenced key scriptures from the gospels, James and Proverbs that reinforced his point.  It was a very good Father's Day message that applied to everyone present!  I was impressed!  

At the end of his message he led us in prayer and the service was over.  It was a very abrupt ending that seemed to surprise us all.  No more singing and no call for a response.  The service was simply over.  

I lingered for a few moments and then left.  Many stayed in the auditorium and others visited in the foyer.  

I had reviewed the church's webpage before attending and it was very well done and user-friendly.  

This church is nicely located in the Columbiana area and is doing many things right.  The building and location are excellent.  Their mission is clearly stated.  

In my opinion, their effectiveness could be improved by giving some thought to their order of worship and the 'flow' of their worship-hour.  The service began at 10:30 and I was in my car by 11:40 AM, heading home.  

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

I have truly felt deeply for pastors through the COVID experience of the last fourteen months.  I recently read an article titled, "25 Church Statistics You Need to Know for 2021" [https://reachrightstudios.com/25-church-statistics-for-2021/].  It observed,

"Non-practicing Christians have grown from 35% to 43% from 2000 to 2020. During the same time, practicing Christians declined from 45% to 25%."

This news does not bode well for church finances;  it means there are considerably fewer people to pay the bills!  Other sources indicate that 20% of all churches have closed since the beginning of the pandemic!  

Think about it.  All pastors had to find a way a year ago to get some kind of service online.  My Facebook page is crowded every Sunday morning with 'Watch' parties centered around worship services.  Those who were broadcasting before COVID had a clear advantage.  The quality of many of these services is still quite low, yet give them credit for navigating these waters.  

Many of us have become acquainted - possibly even comfortable - with sitting in front of a computer screen for Sunday worship.  For the first time, we can go to church in our pajamas!  We can have coffee and a sweet roll while the service is in process!  How cool is that?

Since these services are still being broadcast as COVID concerns diminish, we can assume that some people are still staying home to worship.  When will churches determine that live-streaming is no longer necessary?  I'm acquainted with several churches that were livestreaming before COVID.  The fact is that some churches have prospered and grown through livestreaming.  

I was reading my college alma mater's magazine yesterday.  In an article by Romy Hosford (Associate Professor of Art) titled, "Media Is More Than The Technology That Creates It", her closing comment caught my attention:

"There is something about how our human souls inspire one another when we are in physical communion with one another that does not come through over screens."

Thoughts flooded my mind after reading that statement.  I quickly deduced that she was right.  

I can walk away from the computer screen taught, inspired and feeling that I've met a spiritual obligation;  however,  have I been affirmed, greeted, encouraged, cared for and touched?  You can answer for yourself.

For instance, I am a Facebooker.  According to my home page I have 851 'Friends'.  But in reality, I have very few friends in the traditional sense of the term.  These 'friends' laugh at my jokes, comment on my posts, and affirm my worth as a writer, but do they really care for me?  Do they leap to my aid in times of stress or trouble?  No.  Because I don't air my times of stress and trouble on Facebook.  

In real life, I have an ever-shrinking group of friends.  Debbie has always been my best friend.  My son, Troy, enters my life meaningfully at least once a week.  Then there's our dog, Gabe - man's best friend!  We have great neighbors who are friendly, but I don't really do things with them.  Truth be told, I'm a pretty lonely guy.  

I have come to know a few people where we attend church;  but I wouldn't call any of them friends.  

We have extended family nearby and even in our church, but I really don't share my burdens with any of them.  

I visited a large, growing church recently.  Theater seating and excellence from beginning to end.  When the worship ended I watched as the crowd departed the auditorium.    They walked straight out the back door having little or no contact with one another.  They got in their cars and drove away.  It struck me!  The churches I led had people lingering for over an hour after worship ended (I used to tell them to lock the door when they left 😁).  

I'm not against livestreaming.  It's been a blessing to me and many especially during the COVID crisis.  But I think Professor Hosford is right.  "There is something about how our human souls inspire one another when we are in physical communion with one another that does not come through over screens."  

I've been told by people I've counseled that they attend church because its the only place where they receive physical touch from others (hugs, handshakes, shoulder pats, etc.).  Wow!  Wow!  

For the record:  I'm finishing up this article and heading for church!  It's been my lifetime habit.  I love to worship God.  I enjoy being with people who share my love for God!  I'll linger a bit.  Maybe I can encourage someone.  Maybe I'll even be encouraged...

 

THIRD CHURCH VISIT

I arrived ten minutes early in a downpour.  This church had about six guys with large umbrellas running to walk us to the entrance.  The guy that escorted me was very friendly.  Pretty cool idea!  

They are a church that was planted in 2011.  They meet in the fellowship hall of an established church.  The common area was well populated with people visiting and hanging out.

I entered the hall which was set up with about 200 steel chairs.  No bulletin.  ;-)  A countdown indicated that the service would begin in about five minutes.  Several people took up the microphone to make announcements in that interim, but the background music was loud enough that I couldn't hear what they were saying.  

[Remember that I'm hearing impaired.  Much of the morning I struggled to hear.  I've been told that when mikes are set for singing, they're NOT set for speaking.  Also, I suspect that this hall had poor acoustics.  I didn't ask if they had devices for the hearing impaired;  if I go back, I'll ask.]

To their credit, they did begin on time.  I estimate that there were about 120 in the hall at that time.  Within a half-hour, another sixty arrived.  I attribute this to the fact that the congregation was largely young adult.

The worship team included a young man who led with his guitar, a keyboard player who seemed quite skilled and sensitive, and a young lady who sang lead.  .  I wish I could have heard his comments between songs.  They did three or four songs;  I did not know any of them.  From observing others, not many did.  And yet, the congregation seemed eager to worship!  Uplifted hands and moving to the music was obvious across the hall.  

PERSONAL EXCURSION:  I don't understand (probably because I'm an old guy) why so many churches insist on a constant barrage of new worship music?  It deprives the people of the joy of singing in worship.  For many of us, this is an anticipated act of participation.  Think about it:  where else do we sing - the seventh inning stretch?  There are SO MANY great worship songs out there.  Please sing something I know!

There were no masks and there was no attempt to social distance.  We were encouraged at one point to greet our neighbors;  everyone around me shook hands with me.  It was liberating!  The congregation was largely made up of young adults and young couples;  however, other age groups were also represented.  Quite a few staff members participated in the service.

Their web page indicates that their pastor came to Geneva College from Louisiana, married and planted the church.  Although I'm not certain, I think he played a major role in leading the service.  He and his wife sat in the front row and he was quite a cheerleader for all that was happening and obviously enjoys being before his people!  

No offering was received, but before the service ended we were instructed to find receptacles for our offerings as we left.  

Mother's Day was prominently celebrated!  A number of videos were used and the PowerPoint was well run!  [That gets a BRAVO from me because it's so poorly run in most churches!]  

The message was delivered by four young women who sat on stools before us.  Two of them might have been the pastor's daughters.  They each spoke for about ten minutes presenting one point and supporting it with one verse of scripture.

• Be Intentional
• Serve Others
• Be Available
• Love Others

The young women were engaging and passionate in presenting their message.  The pastor followed their message with a prayer including his own message.  During a closing song the congregation was given opportunity to come forward and receive Communion;   a small percentage took advantage of this invitation.  

A young man and young woman came forward and made announcements for several minutes.  I was impressed that one of the announcements had to do with a 'Servolution' in which they were rallying the people to serve the community!  [Servolution is a book written in 2009 by Pastor Dino Rizzo from Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  It documents a radical plan to serve others in the name of Christ.]

Much was done right and well here!  It is clearly a dynamic and growing body of believers.  I understand that they are purchasing a former Catholic church on Route 51 and will eventually begin ministering from their own site.  I would expect to see explosive things happen at that point!