So this weeks cover of Newsweek states that Christianity is about to drift away in America. The premise is that in the past 20 years America has moved from 86% Christian to 76% Christian, thus it is over.
WELL, tell that to Rick Warren. He personally teaches the new members class at his “Little” church every month. He stated last night on Larry King that on average they have 100-200 people in the class each month. Last month, however, over 2,400 people attended the class and became members. Oh yea, they also had over 800 water baptisms last month.
Surveys can say whatever you want, it is all in how you ask the question. If you think that what we believe is not connecting, do something about it…make it connect…Rick is doing it, and it is working…BIG.
We are not called to the earth to be defeated, we are called to overcome and bring the kingdom to earth. Just sayin.
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April 8, 2009 at 7:50 am
mikeymo1741
We just baptized four people on Sunday. We have new people coming in every month.
Tell the author to come to my church. Or any one of thousands of growing churches.
April 8, 2009 at 7:38 pm
brewster
Dude, I am with you. Sad thing is, the author is a “Christian”. haha. we kill our own.
April 9, 2009 at 7:52 pm
Pete Wilson
I’m so tired of them manipulating all this stuff.
April 12, 2009 at 8:59 pm
worshipcity
Hmm…I’m seeing this pop up in various places. It’s a curious thing because sure Rick Warren’s church may be growing like crazy but is that because more people are coming to Christ and attending church or are they disgruntled Christians from 1st Church on the corner across the street? Are we seeing growth or churning? There’s no doubt that “mega churches” are on the rise but what does that mean for the smaller local church?
I don’t have the answer, I’m just regurgitating some of the questions we’ve been wrestling with.
April 13, 2009 at 7:02 am
brewster
I think that regardless of mega or smaller local community there are people who are hurting and need to feel the love of God. If your church, regardless of sizes, ministers to the needs of your city and creates a place where people can feel loved, you can grow. Warrens church is an example. Yesterday while on vacation I went to a church that averages 150 a week. They have a heart to change their community and since starting to put some programs in place over the last 9 months have grown.
Its all about peoples needs, and loving them REGARDLESS.
Just my 2 cents.
April 13, 2009 at 8:04 am
worshipcity
Oh I’m right there with you. But with regards to the Newsweek article (as well as statistics that I see in regards to denominational growth) they show that the number of “those attending church” is shrinking. So while our church may be growing, the Church is indeed shrinking (if you accept the statistics.)
I saw something over at Los’ Ragamuffin Soul blog a while back talking about the same thing. I’m not sure if it’s manipulation or not but something to step back and take a look at to see what’s happening in our community, our neighboring community, our city in regards to the Church. What are we doing to help her grow and not just our 4 walls?
August 5, 2009 at 1:54 pm
Pastor K
Is the thought that it’s like Wal-Mart (the Mega Church) putting all the local mom & pop (small churches) out of business?
I see some of that but don’t think it’s a pattern nation-wide. Mega Churches sure are figuring out systems that work. I know for our currently small but growing church, we are tightening up our systems while trying to build an atomosphere where meaningful relationships can flourish & we can live on mission together – & that means bringing the Kingdom everywhere we live & go… reversing the works of darkness.