Novemebr 19, Open door
I received an e-mail this morning that got me to thinking about something. Why do people leave a church they were so in love with just a few months earlier? Even though were seeing record attendance and growing we continue to lose people. Losing people breaks my heart. I take it so personal, as if they are all mad at me. Here a few of the reasons I know people have left in the past few months.
1. We have security and a couple carry weapons. This amazes me. Do they not read the paper or listen to the news? People are walking in and shooting pastors, deacons and anyone in the church. We want to do everything to protect you and allow you to worship. By the way, if your offended, please know a lot of churches are now doing this.
2. Music too loud. These people probably needed to leave, music isn't going to calm down. Hopefully, get even more jacked up.
3. I believe the man should lead the family. GUILTY. I do believe this because scripture is clear about this.
4. We show secular video clips. Guilty again. Nothing indecent but we do use secular tv and movie clips to help clarify a point.
5. We talk about sex too much. Again, guilty. We talk about sex because the world is teaching unbiblical views of sex. I want our people to have an awesome sex life, with their spouse, the way God designed. World isn't teaching this view.
I could continue but I'm getting ill as I write this. Heres the deal. Out of all the people who have left, only two have come and spoke with me during our four year existence. They just leave and we never know why until we hear second hand.
Ok Dean, why are you writing all this? Because the e-mail I received this morning asked if we could talk about an issue he wasn't sure about. That is the way you handle disagreement. Matthew 18 is very clear on this. Go and talk, clear up the matter. I responded to the e-mail and look forward to discussing the matter with this person for two reasons. First, I don't want to lose anyone. Second, I consider him a friend and expect my friends to come and discuss stuff.
So, in saying all of that. If you ever disagree with something 5 Point is doing or I've said, give us a call and set up an appointment and we'll discuss the disagreement in a Christ like manner. Don't just show up and expect me or any of the staff to drop what were doing. Just give us a call, set up a time and we'll be honored to answer any questions.
1. We have security and a couple carry weapons. This amazes me. Do they not read the paper or listen to the news? People are walking in and shooting pastors, deacons and anyone in the church. We want to do everything to protect you and allow you to worship. By the way, if your offended, please know a lot of churches are now doing this.
2. Music too loud. These people probably needed to leave, music isn't going to calm down. Hopefully, get even more jacked up.
3. I believe the man should lead the family. GUILTY. I do believe this because scripture is clear about this.
4. We show secular video clips. Guilty again. Nothing indecent but we do use secular tv and movie clips to help clarify a point.
5. We talk about sex too much. Again, guilty. We talk about sex because the world is teaching unbiblical views of sex. I want our people to have an awesome sex life, with their spouse, the way God designed. World isn't teaching this view.
I could continue but I'm getting ill as I write this. Heres the deal. Out of all the people who have left, only two have come and spoke with me during our four year existence. They just leave and we never know why until we hear second hand.
Ok Dean, why are you writing all this? Because the e-mail I received this morning asked if we could talk about an issue he wasn't sure about. That is the way you handle disagreement. Matthew 18 is very clear on this. Go and talk, clear up the matter. I responded to the e-mail and look forward to discussing the matter with this person for two reasons. First, I don't want to lose anyone. Second, I consider him a friend and expect my friends to come and discuss stuff.
So, in saying all of that. If you ever disagree with something 5 Point is doing or I've said, give us a call and set up an appointment and we'll discuss the disagreement in a Christ like manner. Don't just show up and expect me or any of the staff to drop what were doing. Just give us a call, set up a time and we'll be honored to answer any questions.
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