[kakuehl]

Many Christian scholars are calling our times the "post-Christian (or Constantinian) era." Early Christian was originally changed when it became the state religion of Rome under Constantine (in the fifth century AD). As some of you have noted its really not possible to call ourselves a "Christian nation." (Did you know, btw, that there has NEVER been a time when a majority of Americans were church MEMBERS?) There was a time when many more went to worship... etc. Sometimes for interesting reasons (e.g. it's good for business.)

It's important to note that the Church has always grown faster when it's being persecuted, when there's a cost to discipleship. (The church in Africa is one of the fastest growing in the world.)

Crick, unfortunately congregations are filled with persons who are there for all sorts of reasons other than serving God. Too often (IMO) people look for a church that suits their needs (I'm NOT talking about your BTW) -- they are consumers, wanting to be served, rather than to serve. [I recently asked someone who called seeking money (for about the 4th time that month) if they had a church home. He responded, "Why should I go to church, they won't help us?" Churches for him exist to help him out of his perpetual financial difficulties.] So, congregations who want to grow decide how they can meet those needs. I call some attempts "Entertainment ministry." People want to come to listen to special music rather than participate in worship. Somehow (in my mind) it has little to do with God! Of course, congregations will always contain hypocrites, and those who attempt to treat it like a business. (Trust me, as a pastor, it's very frustrating to try to "lead" in the way I believe God is calling us.)

I always say as a pastor, that I have 2 questions to ask: the first is "Why have we always done it that way? (Hear the anxiety level raising?) This does not mean we have to change anything; it does mean we should think about why we do what we do. For example, we no longer have no longer really make sense? Some attempts at "renewal" seem to throw the baby out with the bath water, however. My 2nd question is, "Where is God in all of this?" Why do we want to get more people in our church? Because we need more money and bodies? Or is it because we want to share God's unconditional love with those who need to hear the good news?

The good news is, despite our failings, God hasn't gone anywhere. He remains ready to transform our lives when we turn away from our "foolish ways." With God, all things are possible!

[bajj]

Kathy, I frequently tell people who talk about the hypocrites in church that where else would you want them to be? What better place than where they may actually hear the truth and realize it DOES apply to them.

[kakuehl]

I have the same response. At the same time, I have three adult children (including D) who grew up in small congregations watching so-called Christians abusing their parents (D's adad spent most of his ministry in setting similar to my current one) and who want to have nothing to do with "organized religion."