I was in a church that was in serious decline and ultimately closed years after I left. Those declining years were fantastic. That older congregation was very innovative and was spiritually strong. The hospice analogy is apt.
As someone who has not been part of the clergy, the issue is not fighting secularization, it's meeting the needs of the sheep. I've defended the faith as volunteer and a professional for 20 years particularly in the area of science, but also archaeology, Christian testimony, and cultural observation. Those areas restored me to faith and nourished me when the churches and pastors didn't do much to help, and in some cases hurt. I've spent hours reading testimonies of ex-Christian and disenfranchised Christians, and one can, in a little time see where the needs are. Many pastors I know have the attitude, "it's their problem that they left, the pastors did everything right, these people just want to sin". Many pastors don't seem to ever really search and see where they could actually improve in tending to the flock. I've been a believer since 1978, and most of the sermons from the pulpit have been totally forgettable, many next to useless. Many times, the secular world actually gave far better information in coping with a fallen world! Romans 15:14 says "you are able to teach one another". Some pastors I know think they know it all and have the cure for everything with their un-inspiring sermons. They don't tap into people in their congregation who might actually know better how to tend to the needs of the flock. In some cases, they feel competition with others who are more gifted in certain areas in the church. One way we got around this in our small prayer group is that we brought links to videos we thought met the needs of the group. We'd watch, and if we didn't like something , we'd say so!!! No one's feelings got hurt since they weren't the ones who made the video. We can't imagine a congregation giving such feed back to the pastor, "hey pastor, that really didn't do the job for me as I'm struggling in another area, and you haven't touched on that in 10 years of preaching." We're polite enough, rightly so, not to say stuff like that. So people just leave. Afterall, it's not the pastor's fault if he wasn't gifted to help in certain areas.
Very fast frank conversation about a very hard hitting struggle. I felt the pain joy and the tears in this man’s experience. I was born and raised in church, now 52 years old. I am so happy for his people who found another church to attend and for him to be able to see them at that church. This was not easy to listen to, but I know there’s a lot to learn from. God bless you Man of God. Your Father loves you! And He LOVES your wife and children and the service you all gave to Him. I would love it if you had a back up, meaning if you had another Brother/Brothers you could really gain strength from. Stand tall, you did an awesome job on this show. It really hit home. I really want God to have His way in the church I go to and in the Church as His body, as a whole.
I’ve been watching you guys, Bradey and Alex, for some time and man did this show reveal how you guys were able to discuss a very hot issue and end with being a much needed encouragement. The pastor revealed his heart and mind and it was powerful. I’ve never ever felt something such as this on a show. God bless you guys, the pastor, and his family.
Rev Burge you would be a welcome addition to the UMC.
I was in a church that was in serious decline and ultimately closed years after I left. Those declining years were fantastic. That older congregation was very innovative and was spiritually strong. The hospice analogy is apt.
As someone who has not been part of the clergy, the issue is not fighting secularization, it's meeting the needs of the sheep. I've defended the faith as volunteer and a professional for 20 years particularly in the area of science, but also archaeology, Christian testimony, and cultural observation. Those areas restored me to faith and nourished me when the churches and pastors didn't do much to help, and in some cases hurt. I've spent hours reading testimonies of ex-Christian and disenfranchised Christians, and one can, in a little time see where the needs are.
Many pastors I know have the attitude, "it's their problem that they left, the pastors did everything right, these people just want to sin". Many pastors don't seem to ever really search and see where they could actually improve in tending to the flock. I've been a believer since 1978, and most of the sermons from the pulpit have been totally forgettable, many next to useless. Many times, the secular world actually gave far better information in coping with a fallen world!
Romans 15:14 says "you are able to teach one another". Some pastors I know think they know it all and have the cure for everything with their un-inspiring sermons. They don't tap into people in their congregation who might actually know better how to tend to the needs of the flock. In some cases, they feel competition with others who are more gifted in certain areas in the church.
One way we got around this in our small prayer group is that we brought links to videos we thought met the needs of the group. We'd watch, and if we didn't like something , we'd say so!!! No one's feelings got hurt since they weren't the ones who made the video. We can't imagine a congregation giving such feed back to the pastor, "hey pastor, that really didn't do the job for me as I'm struggling in another area, and you haven't touched on that in 10 years of preaching." We're polite enough, rightly so, not to say stuff like that. So people just leave. Afterall, it's not the pastor's fault if he wasn't gifted to help in certain areas.
Awesome conversation! You're a great leader Ryan! Loved this
Amazing interview, great intel from you Ryan, it brings light to a lot of things that aren't discussed a lot in ministry!
Very fast frank conversation about a very hard hitting struggle. I felt the pain joy and the tears in this man’s experience. I was born and raised in church, now 52 years old. I am so happy for his people who found another church to attend and for him to be able to see them at that church. This was not easy to listen to, but I know there’s a lot to learn from. God bless you Man of God. Your Father loves you! And He LOVES your wife and children and the service you all gave to Him. I would love it if you had a back up, meaning if you had another Brother/Brothers you could really gain strength from. Stand tall, you did an awesome job on this show. It really hit home. I really want God to have His way in the church I go to and in the Church as His body, as a whole.
I’ve been watching you guys, Bradey and Alex, for some time and man did this show reveal how you guys were able to discuss a very hot issue and end with being a much needed encouragement. The pastor revealed his heart and mind and it was powerful. I’ve never ever felt something such as this on a show. God bless you guys, the pastor, and his family.
It was an emotional one for sure. Happy to hear it resonated. Ryan’s always generous with his time.
Start a local House Church!
Bye bye