Disir
Platinum Member
- Sep 30, 2011
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How much of themselves should laypeople give to their church?
This is more than an idle question. The answer will determine whether U.S. Christianity attempts to fulfill the Great Commission or declines into obscurity.
....That said, the prognosis is disturbing. Across the Baptist landscape—accommodating geography, church size, worship style, theological leanings, race and ethnicity—church leaders say they feel their congregations are slipping. The involvement of laity is trending downward.
...Church 'consumers'
If you analyze four hours of involvement per week, you realize it’s only enough to attend events or consume the church’s product. It’s not enough to provide significant away-from-church ministry, prepare and provide leadership, and also attend Bible study and worship.
Suggestions
So, if we can agree local congregations are vital for the cause of Christ in cities, villages and neighborhoods everywhere, how much of themselves should laypeople give to their church? How radically would our congregations be revitalized if members committed themselves to helping church “work”? Suggestions:
Editorial Church involvement how much is enough
What do you think? There are couple of links in the text that I need to go in and read before I comment.
This is more than an idle question. The answer will determine whether U.S. Christianity attempts to fulfill the Great Commission or declines into obscurity.
....That said, the prognosis is disturbing. Across the Baptist landscape—accommodating geography, church size, worship style, theological leanings, race and ethnicity—church leaders say they feel their congregations are slipping. The involvement of laity is trending downward.
...Church 'consumers'
If you analyze four hours of involvement per week, you realize it’s only enough to attend events or consume the church’s product. It’s not enough to provide significant away-from-church ministry, prepare and provide leadership, and also attend Bible study and worship.
Suggestions
So, if we can agree local congregations are vital for the cause of Christ in cities, villages and neighborhoods everywhere, how much of themselves should laypeople give to their church? How radically would our congregations be revitalized if members committed themselves to helping church “work”? Suggestions:
Editorial Church involvement how much is enough
What do you think? There are couple of links in the text that I need to go in and read before I comment.
