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Post by godfirstmelast on Nov 17, 2010 8:18:29 GMT -5
Fill in the blank.
You know you go to a good church when the pastor knows everyone by name, and calls in to check on members from time to time.
You know your church sucks when the pastor gives you that fake smile on your way out the door, and doesn't know you from Adam - has to address you as "brother" / "sister" ALL the time.
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Post by DJ Firecracker on Nov 27, 2010 23:18:55 GMT -5
You know you go to a good church when strangers of the same denomination, different congregation greet you like family.
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Post by LejaOMG on Nov 29, 2010 11:45:11 GMT -5
You know you go to a good church when strangers of the same denomination, different congregation greet you like family. *like* |
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Post by suavesince1911 on Dec 27, 2010 23:21:21 GMT -5
You know you attend a good church when the pastor applies proper and accurate hermeneutics when disseminating the word of God. See: Rightly divide the word of truth.
You know you attend a good church when congregants are allowed to question a particular teaching or doctrine, no matter how sensitive it is, without fear of ostracization or ex-communication. (If the Bereans could question Paul per Acts 17:11, then why can't I question my pastor?)
You know you attend a bad church when the pastor cares more about your financial contributions than your soul.
You know you attend a bad church when the poor and underprivileged have to go through hurdles just to get financial or food assistance, especially when the pastor and many other well-to-do congregants are more than capable of providing assistance.
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Post by peppermint on Dec 28, 2010 4:17:36 GMT -5
You know you attend a bad church when the poor and underprivileged have to go through hurdles just to get financial or food assistance, especially when the pastor and many other well-to-do congregants are more than capable of providing assistance. I don't necessarily disagree with this but earlier I was listening to the radio. Someone made the comment "churches aren't doing enough." It struck me that oftentimes people want in-kind or financial assistance from churches but the moment that church requires the person meet with someone for ministerial care, it's out of line. There comes a point when we have to acknowledge that churches are indeed businesses. People (in general) aren't willing to accept them as truly spiritual institutions. Business decisions can be better understood and accepted than spiritual ones. Does it make the church wrong for creating hurdles? Yes and no. |
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Post by suavesince1911 on Dec 28, 2010 12:16:12 GMT -5
You know you attend a bad church when the poor and underprivileged have to go through hurdles just to get financial or food assistance, especially when the pastor and many other well-to-do congregants are more than capable of providing assistance. I don't necessarily disagree with this but earlier I was listening to the radio. Someone made the comment "churches aren't doing enough." It struck me that oftentimes people want in-kind or financial assistance from churches but the moment that church requires the person meet with someone for ministerial care, it's out of line. There comes a point when we have to acknowledge that churches are indeed businesses. People (in general) aren't willing to accept them as truly spiritual institutions. Business decisions can be better understood and accepted than spiritual ones. Does it make the church wrong for creating hurdles? Yes and no. I understand what you are saying, but it shouldn't be about "business" when I have to feed my children, or if I need help paying a utility bill. I think ministerial care should be offered and encouraged for utilization, but I am not sure it should necessarily be a requirement. Per Acts 4:32-35, people went so far as to sell their possessions to help those who were needy. I am not saying people should necessarily take it that far, but if your brethren needs help, and it is within your power to assist him/her, then help that person. We are to love thy neighbor as thyself. I think the problem is that the church has become too much of a "business." |
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Post by Noble Work on Dec 28, 2010 17:17:52 GMT -5
I don't necessarily disagree with this but earlier I was listening to the radio. Someone made the comment "churches aren't doing enough." It struck me that oftentimes people want in-kind or financial assistance from churches but the moment that church requires the person meet with someone for ministerial care, it's out of line. There comes a point when we have to acknowledge that churches are indeed businesses. People (in general) aren't willing to accept them as truly spiritual institutions. Business decisions can be better understood and accepted than spiritual ones. Does it make the church wrong for creating hurdles? Yes and no. I understand what you are saying, but it shouldn't be about "business" when I have to feed my children, or if I need help paying a utility bill. I think ministerial care should be offered and encouraged for utilization, but I am not sure it should necessarily be a requirement. Per Acts 4:32-35, people went so far as to sell their possessions to help those who were needy. I am not saying people should necessarily take it that far, but if your brethren needs help, and it is within your power to assist him/her, then help that person. We are to love thy neighbor as thyself. I think the problem is that the church has become too much of a "business." Agrees with this. |
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Post by peppermint on Dec 28, 2010 20:20:20 GMT -5
I agree because I do feel like churches should make reasonable efforts to meet the needs of community. I somewhat disagree because if a person feels like they want the money and not the Jesus (or whatever spiritual figure) then they need to go to a secular organizaton for assistance. I've seen interesting policies that turn people off but aren't a bad idea.
First time: Assistance granted with practically no questions asked
Second time: Must bring proof of income and documented reason for the shortfall
Third time: Items from second time AND attendance in a financial literacy class
Someone was offended by the regulations for time three coming from a church but did not have an issue with a community organization having that as the SECOND time rule within a SEVEN year period.
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Post by suavesince1911 on Dec 29, 2010 12:51:55 GMT -5
I agree because I do feel like churches should make reasonable efforts to meet the needs of community. I somewhat disagree because if a person feels like they want the money and not the Jesus (or whatever spiritual figure) then they need to go to a secular organizaton for assistance. I've seen interesting policies that turn people off but aren't a bad idea. Not sure I am feeling this. The bible tells us to love our neighbor. I view this as loving that person whether he/she is a follower of Christ or not. When I assist my neighbor, I will witness to that person and plant a seed, but ultimately, it is that person's decision to accept Christ. We will have to disagree on this. As for the policy, I understand the concept, and I certainly believe there should be some regulations in order to prevent people from constantly depending on the church for support. I was mainly referring to people who may occasionally need help in their household. |
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Post by perroloco on Dec 29, 2010 16:27:35 GMT -5
A good church first and foremost must teach biblically sound principles and hermunetics whether they are politically correct or currently socially unfashionable.
A good church does not mix politics and its core mission.
A good church is the cornerstone of the neighborhood/community.
A good church has an educated, well rounded Pastor.
A good church church demands accountability from its parishioners.
The church is not a bank or lending institution.
The church is not responsible for your bad moral, spiritual, or financial decisions.
The "church" is not the panacea for all the ills of black society (poverty, AIDS, literacy, education, unemployment) especially when the community itself fails to adhere to the Churches biblical prescriptions.
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