Posted on 06/14/2012 8:42:52 AM PDT by SeekAndFind
I live in Texas, but have lived all around the US. I did not mean it as an insult.
At the time of integration/desegregation, Black ministers did not want to change their church communities and maintained ‘black’ churches. That does not mean they don’t let people of other races in, but it means they have kept exclusive black Christian traditions of worship, music and racial causes going.
Maybe that is different now in some places. Not in Texas. We still have black churches and people will travel a ways to get to them rather than go to a white/hispanic church nearby. I’m shocked you don’t have black churches there!
“Despite a little uptick in a few areas, looking at the math, Stetzer says the trend is clear and the SBC needs to “stare reality in the face and fight for our future” rather than merely manage decline like many of the other Protestant denominations.”
What does he mean by that?
BTW, I know I still have a story to tell you, and I will...just as soon as I get over this last trip.
Did you ever stop to think that blacks churches exist because they want them?
After all, whites weren’t the only ones forced to integrate.
I remember desegregation. Blacks didn’t like to be forced, at all.
That doesn’t mean that I don’t believe it should happen.
I mean that it can’t be forced.
Upon further reflection...;o)
All this means is that fewer Baptist churches are joining the SBC. The SBC is not a denomination, its merely an organization independant Baptist churches can join. The number of Baptist churches is actually increasing. The SBC’s liberal drift and hostililty to reformed Baptists has clearly had an impact.
“The largest Protestant denomination in the country”
First, Baptists are not “protestants”. Anabaptists (Baptists) existed prior to the Reformation when the “protestant” movement began.
Second... if the SBC wants to stay strong, they need to get back to their fundamental roots. Most of us don’t appreciate the contemporary path they’re taking. For example, last summer, their VBS program was hip-hop/rap. Maybe this year it’ll be “Disco VBS” or “Lambada VBS”. It’s a far cry from when the programs were respectful, Biblical and pithy.
That is exactly what i said in reply to my first post. Blacks did not want to lose their churchs and traditional way of worship after desegregation.
My church instituted 'Active' and 'Inactive' church rolls. That way, no one is dropped, but they also aren't counted on for participation in anything. I don't know which is the 'official' membership. I was on the 'Inactive' roll until we began attending regularly again last year, at which time my Presbyterian-raised wife joined and was dunked. Our Church is quite conservative in its doctrine, but not in things other than doctrine (we realize that instruments are not limited to piano and organ). The church also has a growing private school. However, even our attendance, which has grown for years, has leveled off, if not declined in the last year. Receipts are definitely down. Now, that may be a matter of economy rather than attendance, but times, they are a-changing.
I agree Christianity is not about numbers, but it IS about your relationship with your fellow man, (1 John 4:20).
The modern world thinks this means being a patsy to those who are evil, not judging them, or maybe giving money to your favorite charity. But we are saved by grace: But if God has given us so much, we who are filled with his love spontaneously give it to others.
“Could be because of their actions!
One example...a mother/member volunteered for nursery duty; no children showed except her 3 year old. So she took her child to the sanctuary to be with her husband and older children. When the 3 yo made a noise (not a very loud noise!), they were asked to leave. Keep in mind this was a Christian family of 5 and members of the church!
Just saying...”
Hey, send them over to the Catholic Church. We love hearing the children!
Even our very oldest priest (he’s been a priest for over 60 years) loves the sound of the babies and children at Mass and so do I. Makes me smile every time. 8-0)
“Could it be that many of those former Baptists decided to “swim the Tiber” to join the ORIGINAL mega church, the RC Church?
Not if they were genuinely saved.”
LOL. Genuinely saved~means that I have been baptized in Christ my Savior. I swam the Tiber and I thank God every single day that HE made me Catholic.
Oh, we do have black SBC churches, just not too many. Like I said, most are other denominations... The Memphis area is very black/white conscious. TOO MUCH so.
Hope you have a great week.
“Did you ever stop to think that blacks churches exist because they want them?”
Of course! I never meant to imply otherwise. And that’s fine. We worship the same God, but not in the same way. Many of the black churches in our area go in the morning, and stay all day. Lots of different music and customs, too.
Forcing anyone to go to a particular church is one of the big reasons the U.S. exists! None of us wants to be forced to do anything.
Sorry, Sara. I posted to you in response to HeadOn because you were in the conversation.
You’re right, HeadOn, and I totally agree with this post.
BTW, I believe that the SBC just elected their first black head of the SBC.
I don’t know if I agree with it....don’t like affirmative action hires. That’s how we got Obama. ;o)
However, I have done a little research and he seems to be an outstanding person.
I think I’m happy with this appointment.
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