Thriving New Church in a Small Town
A great article about about a Brand New Church in a rural community.
If This Is Not A Place. . .
If this is not a place where tears are understood, Then where shall I go to cry? And if this is not a place where my spirit can take wings, Then where shall I go to fly? I don't need another place for trying to impress you With just how good and virtuous I am. I don't need another place for always being on top of things; Everybody knows that it's a sham. I don't need another place for always wearing smiles, Even when it's not the way I feel. I don't need another place to mouth the same old platitudes; Everybody knows that it's not real. So if this is not a place where my questions can be asked, Then where shall I go to seek? And if this is not a place where my heart cry can be heard, Where, tell me where, shall I go to speak? So if this is not a place where tears are understood, Where shall I go, where shall I go to fly? -- Ken Medema
Small aging congregations happen because...the Pastor and leaders like things just as they are. They are in total control, not God. They are not concerned with reaching the unchurched in their community. They only inreach among their own small group. Members either agree with leadership or are too afraid to say anything. A thriving, growing church is not trying to be a 'copy-cat' version of another large church, its congregation is following God's vision just for them. They have to be willing to go God's Way. A thriving church does not have a lazy leader. O'Dell started by doing most every job himself at first - not saying 'that is not my job'. The leader's attitude permeates the entire church.
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