Comments on: Why many churches don’t grow

By: Eli

Eli — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 02:21:32 +0000

Brother Don thank you for your response. Thank you for writing this blog which has been a blessings

By: Bro. Don

Bro. Don — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 15:10:14 +0000

Eli, I don’t think you are confused, because you are certainly asking the right questions. I think being a pastor has always been a hard job, one that requires the Holy Spirit to keep a fire in the preacher’s heart for the work. Many people today do not give much of themselves to the Lord’s work through their local church, because they have come to see it as something they have “hired” others to do. Of course, this is wrong. The only hope of overcoming that is to keep reminding folks from the pulpit, and in small group studies, that everybody has a responsibility. As to how to know if you are in the right church, the first question one should ask is the doctrine question. Is the doctrine being taught and preached biblically correct? Then, one should ask about the vision of that local congregation. Does there seem to be a desire among the people to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord, and is there a desire to reach outsiders with the gospel? If the answers to those questions come up, “no,” then in my judgement, you are not in the right church. Only then should a person ask the question that most people ask first: how do I fit into this church? I’m sure you know the answer to your last question. God bless you and thanks for your comment.

By: Eli

Eli — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:55:21 +0000

I Believe being a pastor now a days is very hard job. People expect for the pastors to do everything. Most Pastors work overtime in the ministry. I read on one of the previous comments about ” not enought people who want to serve”, i have heard people said” i just give whatever time i have “Left over” and thats the time i spend in church”. So how do you overcome that? Who do you work with if thats the attitude people have? Now a days Church is not a priority in the american culture. People find reasons not go to church. We have mega churches who offers entertainment( the lights, the music,pretty people on stage doing worship)(dont get wrong all of that is good ) 15 minutes preaching and most of it is just to make you feel good, but when you leave out the door you leave empty. How do you know if you are in the right church or not? How do you measure a church success? Is it by how many people go or is it by how many people have been transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit? Im confused???

By: Bro. Don

Bro. Don — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 15:19:21 +0000

Well said, Brother.

By: Gregg

Gregg — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 06:04:50 +0000

To the newcomer, what has the most impact? The welcome received at the door or the minister at the front preaching his sermon? I would say that more impact is made in a warm welcome. The pastor could be having an off day and might preach a poor message. It happens. Is the pastor a pulpit hugger? What is the attitude towards the youth in the church? All to often, the slogan “Today’s youth, Tomorrow’s leaders” is forgotten. Anyone of those 2 & 3 year olds that are in the church now could , in 20 or 30 years time, be your pastor or even the president of your country. The older people are the foundations but the youth are the rooftops of the church. NO community, Christian or non-Christian can survive without youth. A young person is a tomorrow leader. All to often this is not forgotten but ignored and generally the person most responsible for this is the pastor of the church because he is scared to acknowledge future leaders.

By: Bro. Don

Bro. Don — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 22:08:35 +0000

I am very sorry that you are going through this ordeal, Sharon. I, of course, only know what you have told me, but I wonder if there aren’t some particular things about this church that is contrary to the revelation of Scripture, therefore, God will not bless it. Are all the people in leadership positions Godly people? For your family’s sake, as well as your own, I encourage you to find a place where, once again, you can be excited about worship. There are many really good churches out there, but they have to be sought out. Don’t join too quickly. Be a visitor long enough to learn some things about the inner-workings of the church, the biblical convictions of the leadership, and the overall personality of the church.

By: Sharon Barnes

Sharon Barnes — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 17:31:00 +0000

I started attending a church last Easter — not Baptist. The style of worship appealed to me, and we were warmly welcomed, but it became apparant something was wrong internally.
I learned that the history of this particular church was rocky, and hopefully, all the negativity was in the past and a new day had dawned. However, the church is continuing to lose members and those of us who are left, are worked endlessly, trying to hold things together. I have given until I have nothing left, and my family is discouraged. I’m beginning to wonder if God has removed Himself from this church and nothing can save it. I was very positive in the beginning, but now, I am almost certain it is doomed to close its doors. The building is nice, the grounds well-kept, the people and priest are friendly, but yet, nothing seems to work. This church is a well-estabilished denomination, and not a fly-by-night “feel good” church. If this church closes its doors, I just don’t think I have the energy to look for another, and possibly go through this again. I’m beginning to dread Sundays, whereas I used to look so forward to them. This is a very puzzling and disheartening situation.

By: Bro. Don

Bro. Don — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 16:23:47 +0000

I agree, Randy. Certainly, all of our agendas ought to be aimed toward reaching people for Christ. One thing I have found, is that getting the congregation to catch the vision that the Lord has given me is usually a process that happens over time. It requires a consistent reminding, and it must be backed up with Scripture. I think most pastors are at least 2-3 years ahead of their congregation, where vision is concerned. I pray God’s blessing on your ministry.

By: randy s

randy s — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 17:53:14 +0000

i have no comment on church growth, other than the fact i want my church to grow. it seems to me that leadership in most churches have there own agenders and don’t have a common vision for church growth. the few people they have, have not received there vision or are on the same page. i want us to grow in nimbers and spiritually. any info you pass it on to me,
thank you

By: Bro. Don

Bro. Don — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 18:23:07 +0000

Good point, Joey.