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My church is closing & I'm feeling lost - 11/5/2008 12:14:18 PM
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ChelaW
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I go to a very popular megachurch; I've been a member for 3 years.
I just found out, though it hasn't been officially announced yet, that the pastor is moving on to other projects, and my church will no longer be a church, but rather a building that will be rented out to others.
I'm unbelievably upset!! I feel sad, mad, overwhelmed. To me, finding a church home is almost like finding a mate...you can't just go to any ole' church and get fed like you need. Not that a church is "bad", but it may just not feed you like you need to be fed. It took much trial and error to finally find a church home, and now I'm overwhelmed that I have to start all over!
But I think the worst part is that I'm feeling spiritually empty & unmotivated. I'm just not feeling it like I did a few months ago. I no longer have the desire to spend as much time with God as I used to. This really concerns me!
Has anyone experienced this? How did you get through it?
ANY advice whatsoever would be greatly appreciated!
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RE: My church is closing & I'm feeling lost - 11/5/2008 12:17:58 PM
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TorchHeart
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My first thought: Do you know any of the other members very well, and have they decided on churches they are thinking of attending?
A good idea might be to find out, and then look into those churches to see if they're a good fit for you. At least you'd be around some of the people you knew from your old church and that might help with the transition... considering that the church is as good a fit for you as it is for them.
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RE: My church is closing & I'm feeling lost - 11/5/2008 12:35:10 PM
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rcjames
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That is what happens when a 'Church" is built around a man instead of on Christ.
Thanks
RC
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Read the first chapter of my latest book here;
http://www.deliveranceofsara.com
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RE: My church is closing & I'm feeling lost - 11/5/2008 12:57:56 PM
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DeeAnnBailey
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Praying that you find a church need you that meets your needs.
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My Blog Dee's Delights and Delusions
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RE: My church is closing & I'm feeling lost - 11/5/2008 1:22:37 PM
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DaveW
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A megachurch? Is that not by definition over 1000 members? Why not find a new pastor and rent the building?
Congregations go thru the process of finding new pastors all the time. Many here could tell you exactly how it is done in their group/denomination. Are there no assistant or associate pastors or board members to see you thru the interim period?
eta:
I would suggest that your present guy who is closing down has done the congregation and the greater body of Messiah a disservice. He is supposed to be discipling others (matt 28) and training others in the work of service (eph 4). That is the calling of all believers and congregational leadership especially. He should have trained up one or a number of men, any one of which should be able to take his place. True pastoral leadership of God cares for the sheep (congregants) in their care.
< Message edited by DaveW -- 11/5/2008 1:32:31 PM >
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RE: My church is closing & I'm feeling lost - 11/5/2008 2:27:20 PM
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ChelaW
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quote:
ORIGINAL: DaveW
A megachurch? Is that not by definition over 1000 members? Why not find a new pastor and rent the building?
Congregations go thru the process of finding new pastors all the time. Many here could tell you exactly how it is done in their group/denomination. Are there no assistant or associate pastors or board members to see you thru the interim period?
eta:
I would suggest that your present guy who is closing down has done the congregation and the greater body of Messiah a disservice. He is supposed to be disciplining others (matt 28) and training others in the work of service (eph 4). That is the calling of all believers and congregational leadership especially. He should have trained up one or a number of men, any one of which should be able to take his place. True pastoral leadership of God cares for the sheep (congregants) in their care.
The thing is that there is a team of pastors, including his right-hand man, the Senior Associate Pastor. I would feel much better if this pastor was leaving to pursue other avenues, and the church was passed down to the Senior Associate Pastor. But it's not. And there may be a perfectly good reason why, but I don't know.
I feel bad for being angry, because I feel like I'm judging him. And who am I to say that God didn't lead him to this new avenue. But last week I had a church home, next week I won't? I'm devastated! I can't help but agree with you in that I feel like we're all being done a HUGE disservice. What was the point of having a team of like 10 pastors/associate pastors if they won't replace the current leader?!
The Sr. Pastor was out for a few months earlier this year for a big surgery. Did the church shut its doors while he healed? Of course not! Every Sunday, one of the pastors preached. A few Sundays we had guest pastors. Why wouldn't this be any different?
I'm sorry for venting, but every time I think about this, I get a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. All 30,000 members of this church are getting jilted!!!
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RE: My church is closing & I'm feeling lost - 11/5/2008 4:34:11 PM
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bravjim
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First, I would like to tell you that our faith is not based on "feelings". It is based on the character of a good, righteous and loving God, and trusting in His character even when we do not see the evidence. We are to walk by faith, even when we are not experiencing the deep emotional feelings that we often feel when we are first saved. That does not mean that we will never feel like that again. If we continue to seek after Him, He will reveal Himself to us again.
Secondly, as far as your church situation goes, I know it must be frustrating. If it has not been "officially announced", then there may still be something that you can do about it. A church is based on Christ, not on the whims of a senior pastor. You, and the rest of the congregation may be able to convince other pastors to stick around, and to continue with the church. If it is a mega church, then it has been successful for a reason, and there is not reason that everyone could not get involved to insure that it remains successful. We are all called to be the church, but in so many we put all of the responsibility on the pastoral team or the board. But we are the body of Christ, and we receive our direction from Christ, not just pastors. If the church is unable to survive a change in leadership, then I have to question the "life" of the church as a whole.
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RE: My church is closing & I'm feeling lost - 11/5/2008 4:35:52 PM
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DaveW
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So what is stopping #2 from taking over?
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Avatar is DW holding Saphira at her first birthday party and myself holding Louvena at 30 months!
We are now grandparents TWICE!!
====================================
Our CD is now available here:
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RE: My church is closing & I'm feeling lost - 11/5/2008 4:36:04 PM
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SinnerSaved
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quote:
ORIGINAL: ChelaW
All 30,000 members of this church are getting jilted!!!
Whoa! Your church has 30,000 members and 10 Associate Pastors, but because the Sr Pastor is moving on, the whole church gets to close? Something just doesn't add up here.
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RE: My church is closing & I'm feeling lost - 11/5/2008 5:04:40 PM
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ChelaW
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quote:
ORIGINAL: SinnerSaved
quote:
ORIGINAL: ChelaW
All 30,000 members of this church are getting jilted!!!
Whoa! Your church has 30,000 members and 10 Associate Pastors, but because the Sr Pastor is moving on, the whole church gets to close? Something just doesn't add up here.
Exactly. It's very...odd, to say the least. From what I understand, there are other issues besides him just leaving. I don't want to discuss those issues, though, because I think it's gossip.
But when I told my boyfriend (also a member) about this situation, he said the same thing: there must be some underlying issue here because it doesn't make sense.
DaveW, I have no idea what's keeping him from taking over. I do know that they got rid of one of the main pastors, as well as the youth pastor. I'm also not sure who's making these decisions...the Sr. Pastor, the Board, the CEO. No idea.
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RE: My church is closing & I'm feeling lost - 11/5/2008 5:11:20 PM
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ChelaW
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quote:
ORIGINAL: bravjim
First, I would like to tell you that our faith is not based on "feelings". It is based on the character of a good, righteous and loving God, and trusting in His character even when we do not see the evidence. We are to walk by faith, even when we are not experiencing the deep emotional feelings that we often feel when we are first saved. That does not mean that we will never feel like that again. If we continue to seek after Him, He will reveal Himself to us again.
Secondly, as far as your church situation goes, I know it must be frustrating. If it has not been "officially announced", then there may still be something that you can do about it. A church is based on Christ, not on the whims of a senior pastor. You, and the rest of the congregation may be able to convince other pastors to stick around, and to continue with the church. If it is a mega church, then it has been successful for a reason, and there is not reason that everyone could not get involved to insure that it remains successful. We are all called to be the church, but in so many we put all of the responsibility on the pastoral team or the board. But we are the body of Christ, and we receive our direction from Christ, not just pastors. If the church is unable to survive a change in leadership, then I have to question the "life" of the church as a whole.
Thank you for that reminder, Bravjim. It really helps to remember that God knows I'm human & sometimes my emotions aren't "in it." But even still, I try to push through & at least keep my prayer life up, even if I don't have to greatest desire to do so.
'Ya know, I don't know the structure of the church as an organization to even know who makes these decisions. But in addition to the 2 major pastors that were let go, the entire marketing team is gone, as well as the entire TV ministry (and for a church like this, that alone speaks volumes). I tell you all this to say that I feel pretty helpless. This has not even been mentioned at church. The congregation has not been addressed, nevertheless have our opinions been asked. As a matter of fact, we found out on the INTERNET that he was pursuing another project! Only after rumors started going around did the Communication Director address this.
*Sigh* I don't know what to do, if anything. I guess just wait and see what happens on Sunday...if we're even having church!
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RE: My church is closing & I'm feeling lost - 11/5/2008 5:54:52 PM
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rcjames
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quote:
ORIGINAL: SinnerSaved
quote:
ORIGINAL: ChelaW
All 30,000 members of this church are getting jilted!!!
Whoa! Your church has 30,000 members and 10 Associate Pastors, but because the Sr Pastor is moving on, the whole church gets to close? Something just doesn't add up here.
The only thing that would add up would be if the Church property was in the name of the Senior Pastor (his family or closed corporation), and there is a lot of that stuff that goes on.
Thanks
RC
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Read the first chapter of my latest book here;
http://www.deliveranceofsara.com
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RE: My church is closing & I'm feeling lost - 11/5/2008 6:46:49 PM
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manda59
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So, find some other folk from your church who feel the same way as you do, find your own venue or meet in one another's houses. Have church there. God will provide the gifts you all need.
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RE: My church is closing & I'm feeling lost - 11/5/2008 6:50:38 PM
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Liveloved
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quote:
But I think the worst part is that I'm feeling spiritually empty & unmotivated. I'm just not feeling it like I did a few months ago. I no longer have the desire to spend as much time with God as I used to. This really concerns me!
The Lord is growing you up, ChelaW. It is painful but necessary. He will not allow those who are truly His to remain dependent on anything earthly, even the 'church'.
This is the beginning of a wonderful adventure with Jesus. Bless you as you learn to follow and trust Him alone.  LL
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RE: My church is closing & I'm feeling lost - 11/5/2008 10:01:40 PM
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HisFish
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30,000 members and the pastor is leaving so the church is just going to close up shop?. Im sorry, but this story doesn't add up. What church is this, with 30,000 members it would be rather prominent.
Lakewood Church in Houston averages 47,000 people per weekend, making it the biggest church in America.
Willow Creek, in the Chicago suburbs, is second with 23,500. Second Baptist Church in Houston (#3) has 23,198, followed by Saddleback of Lake Forest, Calif. (#4) with 22,000. Lifechurch.tv (#5) has average attendance of 19,907. http://www2.arkansasonline.com/blogs/bible-blog/2007/oct/05/100-largest-/
So, which is yours?
< Message edited by HisFish -- 11/5/2008 10:14:58 PM >
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RE: My church is closing & I'm feeling lost - 11/5/2008 10:45:59 PM
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colliefan
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Something is weird. In a church with a staff that large one pastor on staff can take the helm, even if on an interim basis. Have the elders had any meetings with the body as to why this decision was made? There is grave danger when a church is build on anyone other than Jesus Christ.
If the church does close, grieve the loss and ask the Lord to lead you to a church where you can grow in the Lord through teaching and serving.
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RE: My church is closing & I'm feeling lost - 11/6/2008 3:47:35 AM
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RJR_fan
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quote:
The only thing that would add up would be if the Church property was in the name of the Senior Pastor (his family or closed corporation), and there is a lot of that stuff that goes on.
This is the first suggestion that halfway makes sense. Megachurches are like rock bands -- it's impossible to duplicate the chemistry that makes one work, but it seems to have a lot to do with the charisma of the founding pastor.
If, just speaking hypothetically, such a charismatic superpower of a pastor decided to trade in godliness for gain, he could amortize the church, or at least its physical structure, for a considerable amount of $$$. It would depend on whether he wanted a continuing income stream, or a massive lump-sum payment, perhaps.
My denomination (which I will not link at this point -- remember the sin of Ham) has had recurring problems with preachers getting caught with hand in cookie jar. We seem to have a habit of covering up these things, and I beg God for His mercy, since these traits come back to bite you unless dealt with. God is doing so much good through our denomination, through fallen men like myself. I beg God to give our leaders wisdom, since the prominence of the ordained ministry puts these guys in deep doo-doo with God if they exploit His anointing to exploit His people.
This seems to be a problem with congregational churches, that depend upon entrepreneurial talents.
I'm trying to avoid evil speculations, but to raise, in general, an issue the Church as a whole needs to pray about ...
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RE: My church is closing & I'm feeling lost - 11/6/2008 3:56:54 AM
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RJR_fan
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quote:
But I think the worst part is that I'm feeling spiritually empty & unmotivated. I'm just not feeling it like I did a few months ago. I no longer have the desire to spend as much time with God as I used to. This really concerns me!
Has anyone experienced this? How did you get through it?
ANY advice whatsoever would be greatly appreciated!
Burnout: when sustained and consecrated effort fails to generate the anticipated outcome. Your experiences are normal. Been there, done that, got the tee-shirt.[1] God is faithful, and He is the One who sustains your spiritual life. In fact, I am asking Him right now to do so for you. You may want to listen to the song I Can See Clearly Now a few times! It helped me during my time of trial.
Dear sister, I am less worried about you than I am about the pastor. You'll be all right, but the feelings you're having now are part of the total package of processing the events. Hang tough. Keep doing the routine stuff. You'll be all right.
[1] (tişört, in Turkish. Pronounced same way...)
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Meet my beloved mentor, RJR
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RE: My church is closing & I'm feeling lost - 11/6/2008 4:42:25 AM
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MAP2010
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ChelaW:
Do not fear for a Church is more then just a Building and its followers are more then just members, I say that one of you must be willing to Lead so that you will remain together. Unite your members and Lead them to anther Building and keep the Faith and God is Everywhere and nothing will stop you from what the Lord Wants.
O Lord may ChelaW Unite this Church after his Pastor leaves so that they as a family will remain. Amen
God Bless you,
Rev.Pendergraft
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RE: My church is closing & I'm feeling lost - 11/6/2008 6:31:49 AM
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Roberta_
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There is something strange about this whole thing. If the church is going to close it's doors just because the pastor stepped down, then I wonder if it was really a church at all?
I was (actually still am) a member of a medium-sized midwestern church. We had pastors step down, one got fired, we never even considered closing the doors.
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RE: My church is closing & I'm feeling lost - 11/6/2008 6:34:37 AM
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Roberta_
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There is something strange about this whole thing. If the church is going to close it's doors just because the pastor stepped down, then I wonder if it was really a church at all?
I was (actually still am) a member of a medium-sized midwestern church. We had pastors step down, one got fired, we never even considered closing the doors.
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RE: My church is closing & I'm feeling lost - 11/6/2008 7:39:09 AM
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DaveW
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I kinda assumed the real property was owned by the sr pastor. Perhaps even the legal entity of the congregation itself.
That said, at 30k members, there is NO WAY that anyone could stop a small group of current leaders or even a single person from incorporating a NEW congregation, finding a new venue (like a warehouse) and continuing under a new name.
If you only keep a fraction of current members, you still have a HUGE congregation.
_____________________________
Avatar is DW holding Saphira at her first birthday party and myself holding Louvena at 30 months!
We are now grandparents TWICE!!
====================================
Our CD is now available here:
http://cdbaby.com/cd/dswaggoner
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RE: My church is closing & I'm feeling lost - 11/6/2008 8:16:32 AM
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Focusing
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quote:
ORIGINAL: ChelaW
All 30,000 members of this church are getting jilted!!!
30,000??!!! 
As a person who has attended more than one mega church, I must say that this is not a church in the sense that a church needs to be a church. How well do you get to know these people ... all 30,000 of them? How can you pray for this gathering of saints ... each on an individual basis according to their needs?
Big giant mega churches are like big giant metropolitan cities ... it's a place you go to and feel a sense of pride because "that's the place I go ..." AND it's a place of complete anonynimity.
IMO, this is not a church, this is a city. A city that you go to and feel good because you belong to it. A place to be seen.
Are you there to focus your worship on the Lord or are you there following after a man?
There are much deeper issues here to be addessed than simply finding another church.
eta: one of the mega churches I had attended has this in it's welcoming message to newcomers of the church
we are about introducing people to the adventure that a life with Christ can bring
I have no idea which church you go to, but my understanding of mega churches is pretty much summed up by this quote. It "introduces" people to a life with Christ, and it is for brand new baby Christians.
Maybe, just perhaps, based upon my own personal discussions with others from this particular church ... which btw I outgrew as my hunger for the Word grew, but I have maintained contact with members from my small group, who also have outgrown the church (hmmm ... seems to be a theme there) ... the church leadership feels that they are not doing enough to further the advancement of Christ in the world? I know I am not the only one who feels this way. I have read articles where the leaders of some mega churches feel they are actually doing their congregation a disservice. Why? Because they are feeding milk to everyone, in order to include the brand new baby Christians and not scare them off, and in effect are starving - stagnating - the growth of those who really are ready to consume more.
You see, this is a problem: People get so comfortable in their church, not wanting to leave, that they choose to stay there rather than spreading their wings and digging deeper and growing in their relationship with the Lord.
Personally, I think there are a lot of mega churches that should shut down. I am sad to see so many churches getting so large and out of hand. Think about it: it's very difficult to manage such a gigantic flock! Even if they have a team of leadership, it's still a difficult thing to do. If you are at all familiar with big business, you will understand this concept. Time to branch out. Time to "force" the members who are so comfortable to move along and continue in their relationship with the Lord.
Maybe this is an exercise in tough love by the senior pastor and his team of leaders ...
< Message edited by Focusing -- 11/6/2008 9:27:20 AM >
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Instead of a gem, or even a flower, we should cast the gift of a loving thought into the heart of a friend. That would be giving as the angels give.
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RE: My church is closing & I'm feeling lost - 11/6/2008 10:57:35 AM
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ChelaW
Posts: 154
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quote:
ORIGINAL: HisFish
30,000 members and the pastor is leaving so the church is just going to close up shop?. Im sorry, but this story doesn't add up. What church is this, with 30,000 members it would be rather prominent.
Lakewood Church in Houston averages 47,000 people per weekend, making it the biggest church in America.
Willow Creek, in the Chicago suburbs, is second with 23,500. Second Baptist Church in Houston (#3) has 23,198, followed by Saddleback of Lake Forest, Calif. (#4) with 22,000. Lifechurch.tv (#5) has average attendance of 19,907. http://www2.arkansasonline.com/blogs/bible-blog/2007/oct/05/100-largest-/
So, which is yours?
I really, really don't want to say what church I attend since I'm speaking about things that haven't been officially announced yet. But I can say we have about 30,000 members, not average attendees.
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RE: My church is closing & I'm feeling lost - 11/6/2008 11:13:12 AM
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ChelaW
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Focusing
quote:
ORIGINAL: ChelaW
All 30,000 members of this church are getting jilted!!!
Big giant mega churches are like big giant metropolitan cities ... it's a place you go to and feel a sense of pride because "that's the place I go ..." AND it's a place of complete anonynimity.
IMO, this is not a church, this is a city. A city that you go to and feel good because you belong to it. A place to be seen.
Are you there to focus your worship on the Lord or are you there following after a man?
I appreciate and respect your well thought-out opinion. And I can imagine that this may be the case for many people in our congregation & in the congregations of other mega-churches. I can say for sure, however, that this is simply not the case with me.
I grew-up in church, and because we moved around a bit, I've been to several different churches. When my mom introduced me to the teachings of this pastor, I had no idea how big the church was, how famous he was, or what the church's reputation was (she showed me a clip of his preaching.) When we finally attended a service, it was unlike any previous church experience in that the Word actually made sense to me and my life. He broke it down, and still does, to a level that I both understand & apply to my life.
For the first time EVER, I actually thought about that sermon during the following week...and I still do when applicable events come up during my life. I don't remember a single sermon that I've heard in all my years prior to this preacher! He feeds me. His style, his beliefs, etc. feed me. I'm not there to be seen...heck, I don't even know anyone there! I'm just sad and afraid that I won't be able to find another pastor than can feed me the Word like he can.
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