local church, in an age of anomie

[Christ_empowered]

Anomie is a sociological construct. I'm not being pretentious, I just didn't know how else to say it...basically, it means "normless-ness." A state in which the norms of society no longer apply for any number of reasons. In today's society, I'd say we have lots of "anomie" because people move too much, lives are unstable, the institutions that once kept things going have crumbled, and people like to stay at home instead of pursuing outside activities and dealing with people.

...OK. The church is important simply because its God's people fellowshipping. This is true. But its also important because, along with family, it is (or once was) one of those "ties that bind." No longer. People move, marriages split up, people decide that church "isn't their thing" anymore, so on and so forth.

What have your experiences been? For older people...have you noticed any changes since you were younger and now in how effectively church serves as a place for fellowship and steady community?

 

[for_his_glory]

What I'm about to say reflects on all Churches in the eyes of others, but not on every Church particular.

Back in the early 70's and 80's there were nondenominational Churches springing up all over the place where I live, but none of those little Churches exist anymore. It's sad because this is where I got my foundations from. Now we see the mega Churches in all their fine array, but yet lack that of a personal relationship between Pastor and flock. Sub committees have taken over that of the Church and it's affairs of direction as now it's Church and State and being politically correct by mans standards and not the standards of God. Many Churches decide who is allowed in and who is to be kept out because of appearance. Some Churches dedicate the whole service to worship and praise in song, but yet no word of scripture is taught. Fellowship has turned into gossip sessions as no one polices their mouth anymore to guard it.

Deception in religion is run rapped by that of mans traditional doctrines as they neglect that of truth just so they themselves will look good in front of the congregation. Do we go to Church just for the sake of it makes us feel good to do so, but yet walk away empty and void of the word of God. I know I sound harsh and i am not putting down every Church for there are good word Churches out there, but few and far between to find them. The Church needs to be our school of learning first and foremost and then a place for help in times of need. I miss the little Churches of the 70's and 80's and since the doors of my last Church had to close it's doors I have yet to find one that feeds me and challenges me.

 

[Eugene]

What I'm about to say reflects on all Churches in the eyes of others, but not on every Church particular.

What you describe is itching ears especially in these end times. 2 Ti 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears. It reminds me of the pastor of a major congregation being asked if a certain Mormon was saved and he said that he was a Christian because he believed Jesus is the Son of God. People are looking for unity regardless the message.

 

[for_his_glory]

What you describe is itching ears especially in these end times. 2 Ti 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears. It reminds me of the pastor of a major congregation being asked if a certain Mormon was saved and he said that he was a Christian because he believed Jesus is the Son of God. People are looking for unity regardless the message.

exactly as many rely more on the teachings of man, but yet neglect their own study of the word. I had a friend one time that always came to me to explain the scriptures because she didn't want to read them for herself because she didn't like to read. If we do not search the scriptures for ourself then we will never come to the knowledge of truth and will fall prey to that of what the false teachers are teaching.

 

[Christ_empowered]

I'm torn on mega churches. Do they have cell groups and such to make it more people-friendly?

 

[Eugene]

I'm torn on mega churches. Do they have cell groups and such to make it more people-friendly?

What I've been made aware of is that in an effort to bolster membership many create cells such as youth, women, men, elderly, sewing circles, musical, and sports groups; anything to to satisfy a hunger, and despite what is being preached the masses and money flow in.

Hey, let's assign everyone some form of ministry; cooks for the kitchen, parking lot attendants, ushers, greeters, teachers, and even some organizers to run benefits such as cookie and bake sales; just keep them busy.

I know of one mega church leader preaching that the only way to receive anything from God we have to speak it out to Him in prayer. If I want something to stop, I can't just think a thought to make it stop, like with authority over employees we must open our mouths and speak, and people go for this. Why? People are naturally religious it seems and seemingly just want to be a part of anything.