Staying within the realm of why Christians are leaving the church;
Hello, FC Jim, Before and after our church first planted, one of the issues we addressed immediately was the carnal instead of the Spirit. My point is our church leaders needed to understand the difference between truly being in the Spirit. Its not a one time shot, then we're on our way. The church should always be in prayer before planting and during the ongoing church ministry.
A church in the spirit always seeks what God's direction is, instead of imulating what the church is doing down the street or what other churches are doing. There are too many preachers and teachers just "playing church and winging it."
Major, its incredible why so many believers are turned off from going to church. If one's doctrine justifies against worshiping in a corporate church setting because of one, ok, two bad experiences, then we strongly encourage everyone to seek HARD with the Lord. A lone Christian will not grow depending only on social media because at the end of the fellowship you cannot shake their hand, go out for a cup of coffee, pray together, cry and laugh together, attend a funeral or serve at an outreach community together, the opportunities to serve "live people" is unlimited with the Lord.
eric m williams, the music ministry is just as much an important part of the church and shouldn't depend on the idealistic praise band, sound system / microphones/ electrical without first asking God what He says. The first three years God used 4 singers and a karaoke and that was it! Later we built the ministry by adding a pianist, two guitarists and a bassist without microphones. Later Our media ministry was very careful in selecting the compact, sound system to handle up to 6 microphones. In other words, music ministers need be in prayer constantly so they learn how to implement the discipline of a praise team or choir. Perhaps there isn't a need for microphones or a drum set. Perhaps there is. But with that the ministry must be knowledgable with balance, setting up correctly. Also, the music ministry is one of the toughest ministries in church because we're serving with different personalilities week to week, year to year.
In my job description the church leaders and board allow me my space time for visitations, ministering, baptisms, preparing the sermon, order of service, etc...and personal time to refresh with my wife. I shouldn't have to "control" everything that goes on. As Major was saying delegation is important. Other leaders and servants have the opportunity to serve with responsibility. This enables God to grow them for His glory.
Our church will celebrate 7 years this September and I feel very strong we have been blessed, structurely. I was blessed to the point of tears when I learned that the core of our church family have been with us serving and growing, much of them for 5 - 7 years. I am truly thankful.
Of course we are far from perfect and have much work to do, but with a structured church we are prepared to face the challenges, sin and sufferings as well as success (many believers cannot handle success) in people, saved and the unreached.
God bless you all and your families.
