What is the role of today's church? (One role- not the ONLY role)?

Question

I'm asking this mainly of active Christians, but i would assume those of all faiths could relate it to their own faith.

Is it the role of today's church to "feed it's devoted flock" or to merely bring in those not yet "saved"? Our pastor went on a rant this weekend about those who are strong in their faith 'whining'....."you have to FEED me!" instead of taking responsibility for their own spiritual growth.

My thoughts are- sure it's correct that you need to move yourself on (grow) in ways that are distinctly yours. and that isn't something that can't be corporately disbursed... but i think it's the role of the church to INSPIRE self-feeding, GUIDE how to go about it, and TEACH what the followers need to learn/know. Meaning...you can't IGNORE those who are advanced in their faith. WE need feeding too.

How do you feel about it? I welcome opinions or discussions... because this is a major point of contention in my life at this moment. Stay, or look for what I need elsewhere.

Ah.. I see the early responders are non-believers who can't read, and are only answering to earn "points" this morning. God Bless you anyway.

Answer 1

You don't say if this is happening every Sunday, though seeing your frustration I believe it must be along those lines.
If you aren't being fed where you fellowship, then yes you do have decisions to make.
I was wondering if you go to a home fellowship group, as smaller groups can identify with each others needs on a much better and more focused way.
If you are a member of the Church, then perhaps approach, if not the head Pastor, another or an Elder.
And where would you go, away from your denomination, if you have one, leave your good friends.. etc .etc..
At the moment you are under the covering of that Church and I always think if you are going to leave -- anywhere, moreover your Church than it's important to sit down and tell the Pastor and ask for his blessing to move forward.
It's a tough one!*

Answer 2

Unfortunately a large number of the “flock” today want to be fed only in the sense of being wet nursed. They want to hear “God is love” and “Jesus is love” they want their Pastor to “tickle their ear”, tell them what great people they are because they support environmentalism, they accept everyone for who they are, make no judgments and respect all religions. And never mention Satan, Sin or their responsibility to learn and preach the Gospel.

In other words I suspect that your Pastor was “ranting” against the Social Justice Mentality and Liberalism that has not only invaded the pews but also the pulpits of a great number of churches today.

Answer 3

Here is something about spiritual growth.

It's not a study of generation. 1 Timothy 1:4 says: "or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God's work—which is by faith."

Also, you need to preach yourself to grow. Ezra 6:14 -
So the elders of the Jews continued to build and prosper under the preaching of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah, a descendant of Iddo. They finished building the temple according to the command of the God of Israel and the decrees of Cyrus, Darius and Artaxerxes, kings of Persia.

Answer 4

Look at who speaks for God
In Christian mythology, God is supposed to the the all-powerful, all-knowing creator of the universe. God is supposed to have incarnated himself as Jesus and he is supposed to have written the Bible. And yet today God is completely and absolutely silent. Therefore, the only thing we hear from God comes from people who are speaking on his behalf.
If you would like to understand how imaginary God is, all that you have to do is listen to God's spokespeople, because in many cases these people are lunatics. If there actually were a God, and if he actually had anything to do with love, he would silence these people because they are an absolute embarrassment.
Here are several video examples that demonstrate the problem. Thousands of examples like this are available:
• Thank God for dead soldiers
• Holy spirit enema
• Jimmy Swaggart Would Kill a Homosexual
• Pat Roberston 1
• Pat Robertson 2
• Pouring the water
• Hot, cold, lukewarm
• Pitch his tents
If God were real, he would speak for himself. The fact that God does not speak, and that he allows any lunatic who comes along to speak "in his name," shows us that God is quite imaginary.

Answer 5

The position of the Catholic Church is an same in the present day and it grow to be 2000 years in the past. no longer something has replaced. Jesus said to Peter "feed my sheep" then "have a tendency my sheep." this remains the mission of the Church, to take care of and coaching guide the honest, so that they could be conscious of Christ and be kept.

Answer 6

GREAT position. Probably because I agree with what you are saying and have experienced "growing pains" in my walk with Christ.

I sense that you are feeling a little uncomfortable in your current Faith community. Been there, done that. It was scary to leave my last church but God put it on my heart that he wanted me to be in a church where people really were being Jesus to the world. I found it. My friend who introduced me to Friends church said something that has come to be very important. She said, "What I think is neat about it is that the more I learn about the inside, the more I like it. Unlike some churches I have attended that seem 'good' on the outside and once you see the inside, they don't look so good." I was sharing that with my husband last night so it is funny you had this question this morning.

A friend of mine told me last week about a church she attended briefly. She said that they are very good about bringing in people to the fold but that is their only focus. It made a lot of sense to me. What good does it do to bring people in if we are not going to continue to care for them and encourage them to grow? Maybe it is all part of God's plan to have some churches like that. Only He knows. My experiences tells me that EVERYONE matters in a church, regardless of where they are on their Faith journey. I find the older I get, the more I need to be fed. I have become hungrier for God. That's the way He made me. Never to be satisfied while I am still above ground!

Have you thought about writing to your pastor about your thoughts? (An old-fashioned, hand-written, snail-mail letter). Maybe make an appointment to talk with him about it? There is a good chance that others are having the same reaction and you are probably going to help them as well.

My pastor is a huge fan of Eugene Peterson's writings. (www.eugenepetersononline.com). He talks about a phrase I had never heard before but seems so appropos for some places: "consumer churches". The focus is on slick marketing campaigns, growing huge numbers, entertainment. I think it is great that people are being brought to Christ and that they feel comfortable coming to church but my experience that God is that He delights in taking people out of their comfort zones. I worry that people are so focused on coming to church for a "good feeling" that they will turn away once a crisis comes. They haven't built the foundation of Faith that is necessary to weather life's storms.

Sorry to blather on. You obviously struck a chord with your posting. I will pray for you this morning. Keep your eyes on the Cross. Jesus will never mislead you and He knows the needs of your soul.

Grace & Peace ~ Valerie

Answer 7

control

Answer 8

To hypocritically attack anything which it does not agree with.

Answer 9

collect tithes

Answer 10

Brainwash them when they are young.