What you write about a church and staff that are too busy building their church can probably be applied to many churches, but as I mentioned, I attend and support a church that, prayerfully, decided to apply the "Purpose Driven" program.
This is a dynamic church, filled with people at all stages of their Christian development, with programs of all kinds to help them grow, encourage them in their faith and to serve in many, many capacities.
At the core of my participation is a small group. It is a men's group that has been meeting for 8 years. I joined in 2001. Let me give you some results since the "40 Days of Purpose". One member coaches a "Cross-over" basketball team, and has for the last three years. The point is to engage young men who have never seen the inside of a church, and never would, in all probability, to confront Jesus Christ, not in your face, but one on one. The young man who does this is in his mid-30's relatively newly-wed, and gives up a lot of his personal time to do something he is qualified to do.
Another has taken on responsibilities in kids programs. Another has gone on two missions, the latest, to Bali, Indonesia. Another has gone to Zambia. Another is going to Papua, New Guinea in July. These are working guys who are giving up a major part of their vacation time to serve in the best way they can. Finally, one group member, in his 60's, has quit his job, sold his house and is preparing for full-time service in Arkansas...going out completely on faith.
Our church is bustling with programs for all kinds of people, especially people who are hurting and need the love of Christ. I don't have time for all that is being done, and to be honest, a lot of it was done before "40 Days". "40 Days" just helped to focus on what the Purpose really was.
Yeah, the music is loud, and I can't sing along with most of the songs, but it is worshipful and quiet, too. Our preacher is good, funny (he was, after all, a former Youth for Christ director), and expositor. I could be critical about many things at the church I attend. But I keep it to myself.
PRAISE GOD!
AND PASS THE AMMO --TO SHOOT !!!AT SATAN!!!
What a wonderful pastor and what a wonderful part of it you are.
What wisdom.
Blessed by you and the post. THANKS.
So wonderful to have some blessed fruit reports vs all the naysaying OPINIONS.