The Answer is Closer than You Think
Jerry Watts
Matthew 28:18-20/Acts 1:8
In the recent past several members have expressed to me concern for this church. In a loving way they have said something like this, ''I am really concerned about this church that I love so much.'' While others have said, ''Bro. Jerry, I remember when we had over 400 attending.'' The interesting thing is this: Some people can be more concerned that a member mentioned this to me than they are that so many less people fill the pews each week. The very thing that has inspired me and my heart to prepare and share this message with you is found in a book that I read this past week. In his book, ''Great Commission Revitalization'' Mark Hallock writes this axiom, 'Empty pews should break our hearts.' Think about the empty pews we see and consider this; when this place was built, these seats were put here for people to come and hear about the good news, the gospel of our Lord Jesus. Seeing these seats empty should not only concern us but break our hearts.
The first sign of recovery for any church who has taken a downturn in attendance, is when someone begins to notice the downturn and are concerned about it. With this message I bring you good news that the answer may be closer than you think. I didn't say that the remedy is particularly easy OR something we want to hear, but it is good news - both for you and this community.
Before I offer us this Biblical Answer, let me add that sadly, many churches across the USA (SBC churches) are right where you are today and candidly, most are trying to find their way back. The feeling is; 'if only we could find that one thing, that one program, that one pastor, that one staff member, that one.....' you get the idea, then we could return to our ''Glory Days''. Please don't miss this truth: Not one time (that I can think of) does God want to take his people back a few years to reclaim their glory. What He does is takes us back to the cross, lays a n ...
Jerry Watts
Matthew 28:18-20/Acts 1:8
In the recent past several members have expressed to me concern for this church. In a loving way they have said something like this, ''I am really concerned about this church that I love so much.'' While others have said, ''Bro. Jerry, I remember when we had over 400 attending.'' The interesting thing is this: Some people can be more concerned that a member mentioned this to me than they are that so many less people fill the pews each week. The very thing that has inspired me and my heart to prepare and share this message with you is found in a book that I read this past week. In his book, ''Great Commission Revitalization'' Mark Hallock writes this axiom, 'Empty pews should break our hearts.' Think about the empty pews we see and consider this; when this place was built, these seats were put here for people to come and hear about the good news, the gospel of our Lord Jesus. Seeing these seats empty should not only concern us but break our hearts.
The first sign of recovery for any church who has taken a downturn in attendance, is when someone begins to notice the downturn and are concerned about it. With this message I bring you good news that the answer may be closer than you think. I didn't say that the remedy is particularly easy OR something we want to hear, but it is good news - both for you and this community.
Before I offer us this Biblical Answer, let me add that sadly, many churches across the USA (SBC churches) are right where you are today and candidly, most are trying to find their way back. The feeling is; 'if only we could find that one thing, that one program, that one pastor, that one staff member, that one.....' you get the idea, then we could return to our ''Glory Days''. Please don't miss this truth: Not one time (that I can think of) does God want to take his people back a few years to reclaim their glory. What He does is takes us back to the cross, lays a n ...
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