Comments on: Little Guys Shooting Big Guys http://www.matthewmorine.com/church-news/mentoring-growth-in-the-church/664/ by Matthew Morine Sat, 04 Feb 2012 04:16:46 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: eddy http://www.matthewmorine.com/church-news/mentoring-growth-in-the-church/664/comment-page-1/#comment-6951 eddy Fri, 31 Oct 2008 20:25:57 +0000 http://matthewsblog.waynesborochurchofchrist.org/?p=664#comment-6951 Just because preaching is noisy doesn't mean it's sound! Just because preaching is noisy doesn’t mean it’s sound!

]]> By: Joe Baggett http://www.matthewmorine.com/church-news/mentoring-growth-in-the-church/664/comment-page-1/#comment-6945 Joe Baggett Fri, 31 Oct 2008 11:26:13 +0000 http://matthewsblog.waynesborochurchofchrist.org/?p=664#comment-6945 But don't you know that attacking these men who dare to question and re-think things is standing up for the truth. If you are standing up for the truth then you can do or say just about whatever you want. That is why the brotherhood publications have no problem publically castigating those who step outside the normal circle of accepted practice and doctrine. But don’t you know that attacking these men who dare to question and re-think things is standing up for the truth. If you are standing up for the truth then you can do or say just about whatever you want. That is why the brotherhood publications have no problem publically castigating those who step outside the normal circle of accepted practice and doctrine.

]]> By: Joe Baggett http://www.matthewmorine.com/church-news/mentoring-growth-in-the-church/664/comment-page-1/#comment-6944 Joe Baggett Fri, 31 Oct 2008 00:30:52 +0000 http://matthewsblog.waynesborochurchofchrist.org/?p=664#comment-6944 The question goes back to growth. If it is simple increase in membership and attendance then there are many churches in all most all fellowships that would fall into that category. A recent study showed that most of the growth in the Christian churches came from people who were fed up with the liberal movements in main line protestant groups such as the recent Episcopal heresy over homosexual bishops. In the PEW report also says that Catholics are also leaving their tradition at an alarming rate for churches that are more open and quote “full of Joy”. One lady interviewed said that she was tired of an empty religion of rules and religious dogma. Since the independent Christian church is a little more open minded than the average cofC they probably pick up more of these disgruntled people who are already believers but changing faith traditions. We must learn to look at growth biblically. That is bringing people to faith who did not believe before, and growing that faith through spiritual increase in the fruit of the Spirit. The question goes back to growth. If it is simple increase in membership and attendance then there are many churches in all most all fellowships that would fall into that category. A recent study showed that most of the growth in the Christian churches came from people who were fed up with the liberal movements in main line protestant groups such as the recent Episcopal heresy over homosexual bishops. In the PEW report also says that Catholics are also leaving their tradition at an alarming rate for churches that are more open and quote “full of Joy”. One lady interviewed said that she was tired of an empty religion of rules and religious dogma. Since the independent Christian church is a little more open minded than the average cofC they probably pick up more of these disgruntled people who are already believers but changing faith traditions. We must learn to look at growth biblically. That is bringing people to faith who did not believe before, and growing that faith through spiritual increase in the fruit of the Spirit.

]]> By: Andrew S http://www.matthewmorine.com/church-news/mentoring-growth-in-the-church/664/comment-page-1/#comment-6943 Andrew S Thu, 30 Oct 2008 23:43:20 +0000 http://matthewsblog.waynesborochurchofchrist.org/?p=664#comment-6943 Dale said... I’d say most Christian Churches are not growing…but neither are most Churches of Christ. I would like to have prove of this statement. Flavel Yeakley would state other wise in his most recent study of the RM. The growth hasn't been huge, but its there. My church has doubled in the past two years and its in an area where CC/CofC are not strong (www.mycccfamily.org). I hear of growth from other smaller churches around the country in our fellowship. Please check out: stadia.cc orchidgroup.org, nexus.us are examples of church planting groups. Dale said…
I’d say most Christian Churches are not growing…but neither are most Churches of Christ.

I would like to have prove of this statement. Flavel Yeakley would state other wise in his most recent study of the RM. The growth hasn’t been huge, but its there. My church has doubled in the past two years and its in an area where CC/CofC are not strong (www.mycccfamily.org). I hear of growth from other smaller churches around the country in our fellowship.

Please check out: stadia.cc
orchidgroup.org, nexus.us are examples of church planting groups.

]]> By: eddy http://www.matthewmorine.com/church-news/mentoring-growth-in-the-church/664/comment-page-1/#comment-6938 eddy Thu, 30 Oct 2008 13:39:33 +0000 http://matthewsblog.waynesborochurchofchrist.org/?p=664#comment-6938 Learned a long time ago--When the church across the street is growing and we're not, either they're doing something right or we're doing something wrong...OR...they're growing because they are wrong and we are not growing because we are right. It's a whole lot easier to question their growth than it is to refocus and retrain our ministry. Learned a long time ago–When the church across the street is growing and we’re not, either they’re doing something right or we’re doing something wrong…OR…they’re growing because they are wrong and we are not growing because we are right. It’s a whole lot easier to question their growth than it is to refocus and retrain our ministry.

]]> By: Rex http://www.matthewmorine.com/church-news/mentoring-growth-in-the-church/664/comment-page-1/#comment-6935 Rex Wed, 29 Oct 2008 20:38:22 +0000 http://matthewsblog.waynesborochurchofchrist.org/?p=664#comment-6935 Leaders do have their critics... I was just thinking about David Lipscomb and James Harding, neither was without their critics. In most cases, it seems as though history has acted as a judge on the critics (hindsight always becomes 20/20). Rex Leaders do have their critics… I was just thinking about David Lipscomb and James Harding, neither was without their critics. In most cases, it seems as though history has acted as a judge on the critics (hindsight always becomes 20/20).

Rex

]]> By: Terry http://www.matthewmorine.com/church-news/mentoring-growth-in-the-church/664/comment-page-1/#comment-6934 Terry Wed, 29 Oct 2008 20:00:48 +0000 http://matthewsblog.waynesborochurchofchrist.org/?p=664#comment-6934 Bob Russell is a great leader and a great example to younger Christians. I have heard him speak at the Tulsa Workshop; I have heard his radio program; and I have read his book, "When God Builds a Church" (which I recommend without reservation). In an interview with the "Christian Standard" last year, he stated that one primary reason that the Christian Churches have grown so rapidly in the last 20 years is that Christian Churches started to concentrate on spreading the gospel. It seems simple...almost too simple, but the man has a proven track record of knowing what he's talking about. He is completely committed to solid biblical teaching, evangelism, and flexibility in approach to ministry (as long as it does not conflict with biblical principles). If you or any of your readers are in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area on November 20-23, the National Missionary Convention of the Christian Churches/Churches of Christ will be meeting at the convention center in downtown Tulsa. I would love to see you there! Bob Russell is a great leader and a great example to younger Christians. I have heard him speak at the Tulsa Workshop; I have heard his radio program; and I have read his book, “When God Builds a Church” (which I recommend without reservation). In an interview with the “Christian Standard” last year, he stated that one primary reason that the Christian Churches have grown so rapidly in the last 20 years is that Christian Churches started to concentrate on spreading the gospel. It seems simple…almost too simple, but the man has a proven track record of knowing what he’s talking about. He is completely committed to solid biblical teaching, evangelism, and flexibility in approach to ministry (as long as it does not conflict with biblical principles). If you or any of your readers are in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area on November 20-23, the National Missionary Convention of the Christian Churches/Churches of Christ will be meeting at the convention center in downtown Tulsa. I would love to see you there!

]]> By: Leon Cole http://www.matthewmorine.com/church-news/mentoring-growth-in-the-church/664/comment-page-1/#comment-6933 Leon Cole Wed, 29 Oct 2008 19:44:59 +0000 http://matthewsblog.waynesborochurchofchrist.org/?p=664#comment-6933 I would say the differences you mention are enough to at least draw some lines of distinction. As far as leadership is concerned, I think a statement I heard many years ago when I was a young preacher is appropriate. "There is more jealousy and envy among preachers than any one group." That could be a hyperbole but there is no doubt but that jealousy has contributed a great dealas to why we no longer have outstanding leaders. Brother North certainly had his share of jealous critics when he was in his heyday. I would say the differences you mention are enough to at least draw some lines of distinction. As far as leadership is concerned, I think a statement I heard many years ago when I was a young preacher is appropriate. “There is more jealousy and envy among preachers than any one group.” That could be a hyperbole but there is no doubt but that jealousy has contributed a great dealas to why we no longer have outstanding leaders. Brother North certainly had his share of jealous critics when he was in his heyday.

]]> By: Rex http://www.matthewmorine.com/church-news/mentoring-growth-in-the-church/664/comment-page-1/#comment-6930 Rex Wed, 29 Oct 2008 15:42:45 +0000 http://matthewsblog.waynesborochurchofchrist.org/?p=664#comment-6930 After Ira North came Rubel Shelly (whom I have great respect for) but with him came all of the brethren weilding their guns. But believe me when I say that within the Christian Church, Bob Russel has found himself in the cross-hairs of a rifle scope as well. Good leaders will always have their nasty critics because Leadership is about influence and change, which always brings out resistance. Saddly, some of this resistance becomes just outright sinful in the way it attacks its target. When the resistance find no credible argument to sway people to its cause, it turns to character assasination by labeling its target as a heretic and even one who ultimately is serving Satan. The resistance did this to Jesus, to his Apostles, to his disciples of yesterday, and to his disciples of today. As for why the Christian Churches (CC) are growing. Two reasons. The first one you mentioned - hermeneutics. The CC that I am aware of operate from a hermenuetic that gives permission to its members to live by faith, serving God as God calls, and enjoy their freedom in Christ. Such a life is attractive to those seeking God. The CC hermenuetic, though not perfect, does not seek to oppress its members into the role of puppets who must act out of fear for their master's wrath rather living for their true Master. Secondly, the CC started planting new church-planting churches. This placed mission back as the purpose for existance. The good news for the CoC is that we have been developing a hermeneutis that gives persmission (rather than restricts) to be ministers according to each person's Spirit given gifts who also are allowed to enjoy our freedom in Christ. The CoC is also started planting churches again in North America and that is a sign that mission (especially in N.A.) is becoming our purpose for existance. The good news for Christ and the church is that through the CC, the CoC, and many other fellowships, their is a renewal taking place that is placing the good news of Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God back as the center - the purpose for our life and mission. May all who profess the name of Jesus Christ proclaim him as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! -Rex After Ira North came Rubel Shelly (whom I have great respect for) but with him came all of the brethren weilding their guns. But believe me when I say that within the Christian Church, Bob Russel has found himself in the cross-hairs of a rifle scope as well. Good leaders will always have their nasty critics because Leadership is about influence and change, which always brings out resistance.
Saddly, some of this resistance becomes just outright sinful in the way it attacks its target. When the resistance find no credible argument to sway people to its cause, it turns to character assasination by labeling its target as a heretic and even one who ultimately is serving Satan. The resistance did this to Jesus, to his Apostles, to his disciples of yesterday, and to his disciples of today.
As for why the Christian Churches (CC) are growing. Two reasons. The first one you mentioned – hermeneutics. The CC that I am aware of operate from a hermenuetic that gives permission to its members to live by faith, serving God as God calls, and enjoy their freedom in Christ. Such a life is attractive to those seeking God. The CC hermenuetic, though not perfect, does not seek to oppress its members into the role of puppets who must act out of fear for their master’s wrath rather living for their true Master. Secondly, the CC started planting new church-planting churches. This placed mission back as the purpose for existance.
The good news for the CoC is that we have been developing a hermeneutis that gives persmission (rather than restricts) to be ministers according to each person’s Spirit given gifts who also are allowed to enjoy our freedom in Christ. The CoC is also started planting churches again in North America and that is a sign that mission (especially in N.A.) is becoming our purpose for existance.
The good news for Christ and the church is that through the CC, the CoC, and many other fellowships, their is a renewal taking place that is placing the good news of Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God back as the center – the purpose for our life and mission. May all who profess the name of Jesus Christ proclaim him as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

-Rex

]]> By: Matthew http://www.matthewmorine.com/church-news/mentoring-growth-in-the-church/664/comment-page-1/#comment-6929 Matthew Wed, 29 Oct 2008 15:10:28 +0000 http://matthewsblog.waynesborochurchofchrist.org/?p=664#comment-6929 Also, I never thought about the background of previous men who exerted a huge influence, this is wise insight. Also, I never thought about the background of previous men who exerted a huge influence, this is wise insight.

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