Dear Church, Here’s Why People Are REALLY Leaving You

[OzSpen]

I feel empty when I leave church. It doesn't inspire me. Most corporations don't.

What kinds of churches are you attending? What kinds of inspiration would you prefer? Have you considered an every-member ministry house/cell church? Are you in a large enough region where you could seek such a church or don't you prefer being part of that kind of ministry?

What kind of ideal church could you attend that would leave you feeling satisfied and encouraged? If you could invent your own approach to church, what dynamics would you prefer?

Oz

 

[ATP]

What kind of ideal church could you attend that would leave you feeling satisfied and encouraged? If you could invent your own approach to church, what dynamics would you prefer?

House churches. Meeting on Sunday afternoons to study scripture, maybe have some snacks out and personal time with people. Like a real connection.

 

[OzSpen]

House churches. Meeting on Sunday afternoons to study scripture, maybe have some snacks out and personal time with people. Like a real connection.

What's stopping you from finding a house church in your region? As for meeting on Sunday afternoons, I don't think you can be that picky. As for studying Scripture with some snacks and meeting people, that sounds more like a 'life group' from a conventional kind of church. I go to one such group every Wed morning (a time that suits me). But it is not a house church, but a church associated with a contemporary church.

Why don't you seek out the options for house churches, but in my part of the world they don't engage in exclusive Bible study. They are more like every-member ministry groups to one another, with some study.

Oz

 

[ATP]

What's stopping you from finding a house church in your region? As for meeting on Sunday afternoons, I don't think you can be that picky. As for studying Scripture with some snacks and meeting people, that sounds more like a 'life group' from a conventional kind of church. I go to one such group every Wed morning (a time that suits me). But it is not a house church, but a church associated with a contemporary church.

Why don't you seek out the options for house churches, but in my part of the world they don't engage in exclusive Bible study. They are more like every-member ministry groups to one another, with some study.

Oz

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d79BgupKMzg

 

[OzSpen]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d79BgupKMzg

What are you wanting us/me to gain from that clip? How does that relate to what I wrote in #123?

 

[ATP]

What are you wanting us/me to gain from that clip? How does that relate to what I wrote in #123?

You really don't know how it relates?

 

[OzSpen]

You really don't know how it relates?

Can't you answer a direct question without this kind of innuendo?

 

[ATP]

Can't you answer a direct question without this kind of innuendo?

I can't help you Oz. I'm sorry.

 

[OzSpen]

I can't help you Oz. I'm sorry.

This is a discussion forum that needs your interaction and not this kind of evading the issue.

 

[mjrhealth]

I would rathe be in Christ than in Church, as for this "rapture", there will be plenty of foosih virgins with empty lamps wondering why it never happened.

In all His love

 

[OzSpen]

I would rathe be in Christ than in Church, as for this "rapture", there will be plenty of foosih virgins with empty lamps wondering why it never happened.

In all His love

'foosih virgins' :lol:

 

[Born_Again]

Okay, steer back around to OP please... Why are people leaving the church...... If we cant get back around, this topic has run it's course......

 

[heretoeternity]

Open up the under utilized "church" buildings to the homeless persons, as a place of lodging, sanctuary and food...don't forget they should be fed the word of God as well..."man does not live by bread alone" as Jesus said....seems the "christian" movement would get lots of recruits...this would certainly weed out the church organizations which need money to cover their overhead and employee payrolls, and those that are legitimately trying to make a difference in the world.

 

[Born_Again]

I haven't put an actual post on this thread in a while, but I really like this one. You get to see all the variances in what people perceive is wrong with the church. I think it does indeed vary on what church you attend along with what religion you are. The fist time I posted on this thread, I had just returned to church after a 17 year "break". At first I was very skeptic upon returning. But as the weeks pressed on since the first post on here, I changed my preconceived opinion a little bit. Though I anticipate still changing churches at some point, I have chosen to stay as the pastor is a very godly man with a good message.

But I did realize the importance of the community that goes with a church. I of course am not speak for all churches, just mine.

 

[KingJ]

I hate church, and I'll admit it. I love Jesus but hate religion. Waking up at 6am in the morning on a Sunday, oh no.

Rofl

 

[KingJ]

Okay, steer back around to OP please... Why are people leaving the church...... If we cant get back around, this topic has run it's course......

What happened at your church BA? You said you would leave.

 

[KingJ]

House churches. Meeting on Sunday afternoons to study scripture, maybe have some snacks out and personal time with people. Like a real connection.

I use to attend house kind of meetings twice a week instead of church. I was fine with it. But I noticed that my wife, friends and family believed wonky things and it was difficult / near impossible to get them right. Elders at a church are needed for this. Our wives will never take scripture on marraige from us. Well respected elders, different story.

 

[KingJ]

I would rathe be in Christ than in Church, as for this "rapture", there will be plenty of foosih virgins with empty lamps wondering why it never happened.

In all His love

How about in Christ at church. Church is full of people who actually want to hear of and learn about Christ. It is the perfect mission field.

 

[KingJ]

I don't mind what churches do to attract people (music, sound, food, shops). I think it is all fine. I really like the idea of visiting members in need. A mega church perhaps needs a team dedicated to this. Many smaller churches that are dwindling cop out and simply accuse members and visitors of not wanting to hear the truth. The problem is mostly about what is taught from the pulpit and oversight. Oversight is failing us or non existant!!!

Pastors are succumbing to satanism just to keep their jobs / popularity. We must have popular preachers. Well respected and established by God. We must not have satan on the pulpit.

We need to ensure that if our numbers are dwindling, it is not due to any reason other then preaching the truth.

 

[James W]

You know I learned some time ago that when we choose a church we do it on our knee's seeking Gods direction. Then we go to the church He directs us and we stay planted there until He moves us.

Now then to those who claim the messages just dont move me any more and so forth - before you blame the pastor or church you need to seek God and have Him show you your heart. Most of the time it will be YOU that is the reason and not the message. Sitting in church is not about goose bumps and chills and feeling higher then a georgia pine.
God Bless
James