THE ROLE OF THE CHURCH (4 OF 4)
by Larry Wynn
Scripture: ROMANS 15:1-13
This content is part of a series.
The Role Of The Church (4 of 4)
Larry Wynn
Romans 15:1-13
I. Introduction
A. There are more than 150 Protestant denominations. and some 325,000 local congregations in America. There are an additional 23,000 Ro- man Catholic churches. We have one Protestant church for every 550 adults in America - a better ratio of adults than McDonalds, Sears, Dominoes Pizza or even the US Post Office. There is definitely not a shortage of churches.
B. Researchers tell us that despite the quantity of churches in our midst, they go largely unnoticed by most people.
1. Fewer than one out of every five people on the average are aware of the existence of the typical church located within there community.
2. Between 1980-1990 seven of the nations nine largest denominations experienced membership declines. The only two that grew the Southern Baptist Convention and Assem- blies of God - were no match for the percentage growth ex- perienced by the fastest gro- wing religious bodies in Am- erica: The Mormon Church, the Roman Catholic Church; Bud- hism, Islam, and various New Age Churches.
C. With that in mind let me make three statements. 1. The church was established by Jesus Christ and it will last. It will experience dif- ficulties, fare opposition, be ignored, but it will come through victoriously.
2. The church must clarify its purpose.
3. Local congregations must be willing to make the changes necessary to reach people.
a. Churches must get back to the basics.
b. Churches must become more sensitive to the needs of people. c. Churches must develop strong, compassionate leadership teams.
II. ENTRANCE TO THE CHURCH.
ILLUSTRATION: A right start is key to almost everything: a day, marriage, vacation! Also true with the church! A. There are many ways historically, people have become part of the Church!
1. Birth:
2. Baptism as a baby:
3. Confirmation: Certain age,
confirmation classes-Member.
4. Join: B. What happens in a sub ...
Larry Wynn
Romans 15:1-13
I. Introduction
A. There are more than 150 Protestant denominations. and some 325,000 local congregations in America. There are an additional 23,000 Ro- man Catholic churches. We have one Protestant church for every 550 adults in America - a better ratio of adults than McDonalds, Sears, Dominoes Pizza or even the US Post Office. There is definitely not a shortage of churches.
B. Researchers tell us that despite the quantity of churches in our midst, they go largely unnoticed by most people.
1. Fewer than one out of every five people on the average are aware of the existence of the typical church located within there community.
2. Between 1980-1990 seven of the nations nine largest denominations experienced membership declines. The only two that grew the Southern Baptist Convention and Assem- blies of God - were no match for the percentage growth ex- perienced by the fastest gro- wing religious bodies in Am- erica: The Mormon Church, the Roman Catholic Church; Bud- hism, Islam, and various New Age Churches.
C. With that in mind let me make three statements. 1. The church was established by Jesus Christ and it will last. It will experience dif- ficulties, fare opposition, be ignored, but it will come through victoriously.
2. The church must clarify its purpose.
3. Local congregations must be willing to make the changes necessary to reach people.
a. Churches must get back to the basics.
b. Churches must become more sensitive to the needs of people. c. Churches must develop strong, compassionate leadership teams.
II. ENTRANCE TO THE CHURCH.
ILLUSTRATION: A right start is key to almost everything: a day, marriage, vacation! Also true with the church! A. There are many ways historically, people have become part of the Church!
1. Birth:
2. Baptism as a baby:
3. Confirmation: Certain age,
confirmation classes-Member.
4. Join: B. What happens in a sub ...
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