10 Stupid Things That Keep Churches from Growing

Erick in rural CA »

Tue Jan 13, 2009 6:52 pm Agree: 1   Disagree: 0

Hello Lady Jeelys,
I don't think that the article was trying to list all the things that can keep a church from growing, just 10 ones that this pastor has found have hurt a church. It isn't an all inclusive list. I am a pastor and I can share with you that the pastor has tremendous authority in the spiritual realm over his church, and his decisions will have a tremendous effect on the spiritual health of the church. God is truly gentle with us, and will not usually force in to an environment that grieves His heart or steals His glory, and the pastor should be the person most influential in establishing what the environment of the church is. I and my elders desire nothing greater for our church than that the Holy Spirit be manifest in it and lead it, and we are very comfortable abandoning a worship set or planned teaching if God starts doing something different. But, there has to be that willingness. I know that if things are great between my wife and I it is very difficult for me to study or minister or hear God's voice, and that affects not just me, but everything I have authority over in the physical and spiritual realm. So, protecting the pastor's family is very important. At any rate, I sure didn't take the article wrong at all. I feel like it was just a man sharing what he has learned the hard way so that people like me don't have to relearn it. Iron sharpens iron, and Godly brothers and sisters can counsel wisely. I value counsel and advice like this as I seek the heart of God for our church and seek to let it be His church and not mine in the truest sense of the word.

Pastors Encouraged to Preach on Political Issues During Primaries

Erick in rural CA »

Mon Jan 14, 2008 5:42 pm Agree: 1   Disagree: 0

Does anyone have a link to the letter referenced in this article that was sent to pastors in October? I would value being able to read it.
Thanks.

Kentucky Megachurch to Send 'Jesus Loves You' Letters to Britney Spears

Erick in rural CA »

Mon Oct 29, 2007 5:46 pm Agree: 3   Disagree: 0

Why are we so quick to question this man? Why are we so quick to doubt that he is following the leading of God? God loves Britney deeply and He intensly desires an intimate relationship with her where He can share with her the deepest parts of His heart. We are to be His hands and feet, the salt of the earth, the chosen generation, the royal priesthood, the ambassadors of Christ, the soldiers of the cross. Why so quick to wonder if this pastor is not being just that at the leading of the Spirit of God? And why so quick to doubt the power of the Holy Spirit to use it to bring her to Him in truth and Spirit? When so many are doing nothing other than sitting in pews or criticizing it is exciting to me to see someone actually being Christ's hands reaching to one He loves. I, as a pastor, would hope my congregation would trust me to follow the leading of God and not be quick to question my motives. Just because Britney is famous doesn't mean God hasn't genuinely placed her on his heart. God loves her no less then He loves the unknown girl who dreams of being like her.

Presidential Hopefuls Highlight 'Values' to Christian Conservatives

Erick in rural CA »

Sat Oct 20, 2007 10:08 am Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

Hello All,
Two questions:
1) Where can we get the text of their speeches?
2) Why aren't more people talking about Duncan Hunter? I am not real familiar with some of critical points of the other key issues like immigration or health care, etc., but he seems, value-wise, to be a strong, unapologetic Christian. I have a friend who said he was their congressman and they said he was very good and very ethical. I am not saying he is my choice, but I am wondering if there is something about him I haven't heard because he seems like a good choice and yet we never hear about him.
Thanks for any thoughts.