My husband and I have been going to the same church for 13 years. We love the church but have seen the attendance drop from about 200 to 100 over the last two years. We can see some problems that we'd like to talk to our Pastor about but are nervous about the approach. We would like to introduce a Marriage/Family Enrichment class. Does anyone have any good programs that we can take to our Pastor to look at?
Also, what are some programs you would be looking for if you were to walk into a new church this Sunday?
2006-11-15 01:38:47 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
When you approach pastor, first acknowledge his positive traits and express gratitude for his efforts on behalf of the congregation. Also assure him of your support and interests that he continue to develop in service to god (all are brothers and sisters, uniting as a family).
Then go on to your interest in assisting members in a more focused manner, bringing up the example of decreasing numbers and what you think might help ("just a suggestion, pastor").
I think teenagers are terribly neglected/overlooked in American society, overall. I'd be impressed to see programs tailored to the challenges teens face.
God bless your spirit of outreach, and for acting on your conscience(s).
2006-11-15 01:46:40 · answer #1 · answered by Zeera 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The marriage and family enrichment is a good start. Children's programs are really strong at my church. There are also other issues that could be addressed at your church that pertain to Women's programs, College (age) programs, and Men's programs. I would just suggest to your Pastor that yall have some concerns about the church and where it is headed in the future and that you have come up with these (your ideas that you chose), and present them to him.
Good Luck, and God Bless
2006-11-15 01:49:54 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should go with full confidence in the Lord Jesus word that was given to the disciples in Acts chapter 6 when the disciples declared that the works of the church should be taken care of by those in the congregation so that they would not have to abandon their responsibilities of preaching to take care of what should have been taken place in the church.
It took me along time seeking God on this to realize that if the works of the Church are not running smoothly, it could be my fault. Our pastor can not be all things to all people and the disciples made this quit clear in Acts 6, It is our responsibilities to tend to the flock while the Pastor stays before the Lord. Pastor Buddy Bell has the very best teaching on this I have ever heard. We have a responsibility to Our Pastor to make sure he has enough time before the Lord that he might hear him and bring us the truth of the word of God so that our lives might be changed. That's his job, Ours is to be involved with seeing that the flock is took care of so that none become offended and go astray.
Check out www.buddybellministries.com
2006-11-15 02:48:36 · answer #3 · answered by Tim and Karen J 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
God said that the truth shall set us free. You can actually invite your pastor over to your house for dinner, and let him know that you have some concerns you would like to share with him, along with some ideas to enrich your church. If he attends and has an idea of what the dinner will be about, it won't feel as much like an ambush against his leadership in the church. It would also help if you had others there who stood in agreement with you.
Also pray about this, and God will lead you victoriously,and your outcome will be one that you will be pleased with as well as the pastor. He will respect you for taking the time to do this with him in a private and respectable mannor.
2006-11-15 01:49:37 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best thing to use is the bible. Talk to your pastor about what you have seen and let him know you are concerned and have a burden for those who need help. Tell him what God has laid on your heart. I know there is not many scriptures in the bible on marriage but what there is, is very powerful. Use some of the marriages from the bible as well. A marriage should be 100% from both ends.
2006-11-15 01:49:24 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mamma Mia,
You sound very sweet to me through your writing. I can also see that you are a strong church goer and have an allegiance to the church you belong to.
I must ask myself a question after read yours and its this. What is the reason that half the attendees of the church have left?
What is it that they see that perhaps you don't?
Mamma, stop a moment and stand back and use the eyes that God has given you to take a fresh look at the situation.
What does this church offer you? Does it preach salvation only? Does it teach the Word of God chapter by chapter and verse by verse, rightly dividing the Word of God?
Are you being fed with the Bread of Life and drinking the Living Water of Life?
Are you following the Commandments that God has given us so as to show ourselves righteous before Him?
Do you and your church celebrate the most Holiest day of the year, Passover. Remember, Jesus Christ became our Passover, Our Sabbath
This is that that you should ask yourself before you go and try to present this new course you want to offer.><>
2006-11-15 02:02:25 · answer #6 · answered by CEM 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sister, Take your husband & yourself & walk up to you Pastor, A Pastor is a servent to us to certain point. The bible does say that in the last days there will be a falling away. If I were to go to another church, WHAT WILL I LOOK FOR, The Truth
2006-11-15 01:48:28 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your Pastor is going to love hearing from you,sounds like he could use some help.What have you been waiting for ?When David went out to slay Goliath it says he ran in hast to him,now get to running.Make your desires known to him,but let him know your open to any other need that might exist,be a servant and God will bless you tremendously.One of the #1 Christian counselors today is Gary Smiley or Smily,sorrow I can't never remember his last name.The book store will know.He has books,video classes,and Cd's,a complete program and it's a good one.
2006-11-15 01:58:08 · answer #8 · answered by don_steele54 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My opinion, check this out, Our church had the same problem, it is a long story, and I wont bore you with the details, however, our church attendance dropped from about a thousand to about 80, we were about to have to close our church doors and sell the entire campus, when a nearby church of the same denomination heard of this who had a large congregation and a small campus, they had outgrown their church, so we merged into one, and their old campus was sold to a Spanish speaking church of the same denomination who very much wanted it.
So our congregation went from 80 to 1 thousand overnight.
Try that idea
Find a Church in your area of the same denomination who may benefit from that merging and begin negotiations
2006-11-15 01:47:32 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2016-11-24 20:46:50 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋