Growth Do You Value the Church?

[His_nee (Jeff)]

http://www.k9safesearch.com/search.jsp?q=biblegateway+devastating+embarrassing+message&v=w&r=g

(quick, easy search ) .....

(not so quick, not so easy, results of action required > )
biblegateway> 1 corinthians 5
"It will be totally devastating to him, of course, and embarrassing to you. But better devastation and embarrassment than d.mn.t..n. You want him on his feet and forgiven before the Master on the Day of Judgment. "

(this ref is for a different specific situation, but a principle noted all through the New Testament (and Old). )

 

[Obadiah]

I don't have a problem with a church having a name. I do, however, have a problem with a church being unequally yoked with the world. When you get a 501c3 or become a corporation you are yoked with the government and you have to organize the way they want and abide by their rules. What if the rules don't line up with scripture? What do you do then?

There's no requirement to incorporate in order to give a church a name. But you are right about the 501c3 thing. I've seen problems come from that in exactly the way you say they can. What do you do when the rules don't line up with scripture? You first make sure your interpretation of scripture is right, of course. If it's right, then you better follow scripture. Sadly a lot of church leaders don't have the fortitude to do this (including the one I work at ), but I've known one or two that did. So far they haven't suffered any consequences and are still able to use the tax advantage to save money that they can now use for God's work. But they realize that there is a possibility of losing their tax exempt status and are willing to take this chance in order to follow God.

...If they get to be more than 25 a new leader should be trained and a new group started...

Is there scripture supporting that number? I don't recall ever seeing that. Also is there scripture stating a church should split when it reaches that number (or any particular number)? Just curious if this is based on scripture of if it is something you see as a good idea based on your personal experience?

Edit: Forgot to mention that head pastor of the church I'm at has been trying to get small groups started for a few years now and has only had very limited success. I think he's pretty discouraged (to the point where he told me he's thinking of not being a pastor anymore!) and I'd like to offer him some encouragement from scripture it it's there.

 

[Andrew Mason]

It is difficult to get them to come because they are so busy. Why are we to busy to come together with God's people and share the love of Christ?

If you need any help with your home Bible Study, let me know, that's my specialty Feel free to check out my site (in my signature below) for all the resources. I would recommend going to our Starter Kit page for starters...

 

[Sandy Zalecki]

There's no requirement to incorporate in order to give a church a name. But you are right about the 501c3 thing. I've seen problems come from that in exactly the way you say they can. What do you do when the rules don't line up with scripture? You first make sure your interpretation of scripture is right, of course. If it's right, then you better follow scripture. Sadly a lot of church leaders don't have the fortitude to do this (including the one I work at ), but I've known one or two that did. So far they haven't suffered any consequences and are still able to use the tax advantage to save money that they can now use for God's work. But they realize that there is a possibility of losing their tax exempt status and are willing to take this chance in order to follow God.

Is there scripture supporting that number? I don't recall ever seeing that. Also is there scripture stating a church should split when it reaches that number (or any particular number)? Just curious if this is based on scripture of if it is something you see as a good idea based on your personal experience?

Edit: Forgot to mention that head pastor of the church I'm at has been trying to get small groups started for a few years now and has only had very limited success. I think he's pretty discouraged (to the point where he told me he's thinking of not being a pastor anymore!) and I'd like to offer him some encouragement from scripture it it's there.

Nope, not scripture. That is just my feeling only. That is the number of people that I feel comfortable dealing with.

 

[Sandy Zalecki]

If you need any help with your home Bible Study, let me know, that's my specialty Feel free to check out my site (in my signature below) for all the resources. I would recommend going to our Starter Kit page for starters...

Thanks, I will take a look at it.

 

[Rollo Tamasi]

I hope we all value our church, where ever it is.