Did you know that of the 89 chapters that comprise the Four Gospels, 30 chapters describe the final week of Christ's 3-1/2 year ministry?
That is staggering! Fully one-third of the first four books of the New Testament is dedicated to His final week on earth. If the amount of time devoted to a particular set of events is any indicator of their significance, then clearly the passion of crucifixion and the power of the resurrection are not only critical but in fact they serve as the very basis for the Christian faith!
Over the next 7 weeks, we will count down the last 7 days of Christ's First Coming, beginning with His Triumphal Entry (historically this took place on Sunday, 10 Nisan). This was the same day on which the lamb was presented prior to the Passover of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt.
I cannot wait for this sermon series and I encourage you to not miss out. Each Sunday will bring us another day closer to the PASSION of Christ and the POWER of His resurrection!
In His Love,
Randy
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Friday, March 4, 2011
Why do People Leave the Church?
A recent article in Churchleaders.com addressed the question, "Why do People Leave the Church?"*
As any church, C3 has its share of members/partners who have left or who have just fallen into an infrequent attendance pattern. As a pastor, and especially as a pastor who has a memory of who attends and when, my heart hurts for those who are not at worship service on Sunday mornings. The reason is simple: God has given me a shepherd's heart.
The article offers the results of survey work done in this area. The top reasons people leave the church are:
1. Change in life situation
2. Disenchantment with the church
3. Don't feel loved by the church
4. Are not really Christian at all
As pastor, it is my job to pray, to preach, and to lead our church to invest and invite into the lives of others, whether they are sinners far from God or whether they are one-time church attenders/members who have stopped coming to church. I pray that C3 is the kind of church where people know and experience the awesome power of corporate worship of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, where people do not become disenchanted with us, and where people feel loved and welcomed.
Now, a delicate balance must be struck between this searching heart and the commands of Christ to not compromise on His Truth. The pastor's paradox is that he wants everyone to love him, but due to his calling from God, he is not always going to make decisions that everyone loves. That said, every pastor is called to love his people and to go after them when they have wandered off from the rest of the flock.
I pray that if you are reading this blog and are not fully connected into a Christ-centered church that you join us for worship this Sunday.
pastor randy
* Reference used: http://www.churchleaders.com/outreach-missions/outreach-missions-articles/138855-coming-home-why-people-leave-the-church-and-how-to-bring-them-back.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Daily-Update
As any church, C3 has its share of members/partners who have left or who have just fallen into an infrequent attendance pattern. As a pastor, and especially as a pastor who has a memory of who attends and when, my heart hurts for those who are not at worship service on Sunday mornings. The reason is simple: God has given me a shepherd's heart.
The article offers the results of survey work done in this area. The top reasons people leave the church are:
1. Change in life situation
2. Disenchantment with the church
3. Don't feel loved by the church
4. Are not really Christian at all
As pastor, it is my job to pray, to preach, and to lead our church to invest and invite into the lives of others, whether they are sinners far from God or whether they are one-time church attenders/members who have stopped coming to church. I pray that C3 is the kind of church where people know and experience the awesome power of corporate worship of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, where people do not become disenchanted with us, and where people feel loved and welcomed.
Now, a delicate balance must be struck between this searching heart and the commands of Christ to not compromise on His Truth. The pastor's paradox is that he wants everyone to love him, but due to his calling from God, he is not always going to make decisions that everyone loves. That said, every pastor is called to love his people and to go after them when they have wandered off from the rest of the flock.
I pray that if you are reading this blog and are not fully connected into a Christ-centered church that you join us for worship this Sunday.
pastor randy
* Reference used: http://www.churchleaders.com/outreach-missions/outreach-missions-articles/138855-coming-home-why-people-leave-the-church-and-how-to-bring-them-back.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Daily-Update
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