Why is Church Attendance Down 30%?

According to recent statistics, Church attendance is down about 30% overall. Why is this? There are several reasons. But, I would like to tell about TWO reasons that account for this. In my observations, and my opinion, (And I believe it's from the LORD). The primary reason for low attendance in our Church Congregations falls into Two categories distinctly adverse to Biblical instructions. First, many of todays Church congregations are NOT following the Way of Christ Jesus. Many congregations are too much concerned with " The Business Of The Church", I.E., how to make enough money to fund their own operations. (E.G., missions, keeping of a building payments, paying the ministers and staff, just so they can have an income, a nice home, car, etc.). This approach is NOT what Jesus taught us. However, it IS true, that we as believer's should support our ministry. But, ONLY to help them maintain a lifestyle in accordance with their Basic Needs, in order to carry out the "Great Commission" of Christ, which is to "Carry the Gospel of "The Good News" to the World". If, Pastors, Elders, Ministers, or other workers must work OTHER jobs to support themselves or their Families to have a nice home or other material possessions, then they should Work Other Jobs to support Themselves! And NOT, expect the member's of their congregation to support them financially by their Tithes or Offerings alone. (Jesus, and His Apostles and Disciples wrote and acted exactly in this manner as written in the Gospels and Epistle's of the New Testament). Secondly, we as believer's should NOT just go to any congregation just to be observer's or even listener's only. We should Really go to, First, Worship Our God, and then, try to find a way to help FIRST, the Widow's, Orphans, and the needy Brother's and Sister's who are among us and trying to do God's Will. Then, Next, we should try to support our Leader's (Again, only their Basic needs). And finally, reach out to the unbelieving and try to tell them about the NEW WAY of Jesus Christ. If we can support them financially so that they will become one day self supporting, then we should give accordingly as we individually are able (Without denying our or our own Families obligations). We MUST First support our Believing Brother's and Sister's who REALLY DO NEED our help, whether, Financially, Emotionally or Spiritually in support. That means that we should give money to our Ministry leader's as long as they and the Lord tell us and only as much as they NEED to do their Job. Furthermore, we should also give some money (Or our time) to ANY ministry organization that is helping to further the Kingdom of God through Loving and helpful service to the NEEDY. In this way, we truly Honor God by becoming partner's with enlarging the True Church of Christ. We will then NOT be guilty of "Pretentiousness" or worried about larger "Attendance" at our local congregations. Many of the so called, "Pastor's or Minister's" of the Church today are in fact, "False Apostle's, and even Anti-Christ's against the Church of God. (Read 1 John through 3 John). These false teachers, will try to make their own lives easier and more comfortable, (Whether they know it or not). Do not let them fool you! Even Satan can appear as an angel of light (If God permits) and He does to test our willingness to have "Discernment" and "Wisdom" (From Him) to identify these False teacher's in these Last Days. Many Pastor's and Minister's just try to have a life much like the "Pharisee's" and "Scribes" and "Religious Leader's" that were around back when Jesus was on Earth. And He condemned them Vigorously! (They Refused to Acknowledge or Believe that HE was the Messiah, Even when they KNEW that HE WAS!, Thus, they committed the "Unforgivable Sin"). If you are a leader in God's and Christ's Church, then I beg you to ask yourselves if you are one of the above. If you are, then REPENT! NOW! And you shall be forgiven all. Jesus said so. Begin to Focus on Him and His Ways. We do NOT need bigger congregations. What we need is Bigger Outreach and LOVE for the hurting and in our own care! It would be better to meet (As in the early Church did) in Homes or other places if growth can be expected in these times in the Church of Christ. That, in my opinion, is sacrifice, hospitality and True Love! But, anyway, Jesus said, that nothing shall prevent His True Church from growing! So, I yield to His True Command. I am NOT here writing to either Judge or Condemn or Criticize How any congregation decides to operate their brand of Christian Church congregation. I am merely trying to Convict those who Misunderstand what is MOST important to Jesus and Hid Church growth. If anything that I have written here helps you re-evaluate your own personal convictions in Christ, then, I have done my duty as an Ambassador of Christ. Let it be helpful, correcting and done in the LOVE of GOD and Christ! Amen. Dale Smith, LCPC, NCCA

Soldier's and Vets Do You Want Help?

I have spent most of my life suffering from the effects of Military service. After 20 years of service to my Country America I am one of the 20% of Soldier's who suffer from the Horrible effects and memories of several Wars, Vietnam, Iraq, etc. In my recovery process, it has been a real challenge and struggle to live as a Christian and a member of Society. A Society that really knows so little about the ongoing struggles and challenges of wounded Warriors and how to keep fighting or "Re-Integrate" into a strange Society after we have been changed by War. Even when I was on Active Duty it seemed hard to find anyone who really understood the inner turmoil I have been struggling with, except for a few of my military comrades. So, I am here NOW to tell you Soldier's and Veteran's that there is HOPE and a way to live on for a reasonable and emotional good way of life, either while still on Active Duty or as a Veteran with Purpose and Meaning for your lives. And, not "OFF" yourselves because of the inner or outer despair or hopeless feelings you may have. That's WHY I write and that's WHY I invite you to join us. You CAN, if you choose, to learn to live a Good life in spite of your mental or physical disabilities if you decide to join with us. Please, Please, do yourselves a great favor, both for yourself and those whom you care for to give the Gift of your own suffering to other's. We understand. We CARE! Because we have experienced what you have gone through in Combat and Military service duty of every kind. So, contact us and let's keep our special "Band Of Brother's" helping each other as a successful team!