Is Our Church a Salad Bar or a Main Entrée?

What an awesome time we had celebrating our first anniversary yesterday! Thanks to everyone that made it such a huge success. over 108 people attended, the weather held off, the food was great and hearing the powerful testimonies was inspirational. But what's in store for The Grove in year 2?

One of the many blogs I receive titled theirs: "Is Your Church a Salad Bar or a Main Entrée?"

The blog went on to say:

"A recent article in USA Today says that religion in the United States is now a "salad bar" where people "heap on upbeat beliefs they like and often leave the veggies -- like strict doctrines -- behind."

For example, 92 percent of the Americans surveyed said they believe in God, and 58 percent say they pray every day. And while 74 percent of people believe there is a heaven, just 59 percent believe there is a hell. And 70 percent of those polled said that they believe "many religions can lead to eternal life."

Those are some pretty startling statistics.

As pastors and church leaders, great is the burden on us to spiritually advise, teach, and admonish those under our care. The Bible speaks specifically about how we’ll be judged on our faithfulness in doing so.

How would the people your church answer this survey:

1. Do you believe in God?
2. Do you pray every day?
3. Do you believe in heaven?
4. Do you believe in hell?
5. Do you believe a person can get to heaven outside of Christ?

I would hope that each of our churches would do much better than this national survey implies they would."

The author then challenged pastors to take a few minutes to think about the implications of this for your church, and those you to whom you minister. Are you being clear in what you teach? And are the people under your care growing in their understand of what it means to be a believer?

So, is your church a salad bar, or more of a source of nourishing protein?"

I began to wonder how the people of The Grove would answer these questions. Just last night at The Edge (a young adult small group) we discussed our cultures perspective on whether the Bible is inspired and whether we should take it literally. I shared my concern that I worry that we may be entertaining people but are they growing in their relationship with Christ and their knowledge of scripture?

My desire is not just to gather a crowd, but to rise up mature Christians that are world changers. Take a minute and answer the questions above. Then I'd be interested in reading your comments. You can either post them here or send them personally to my personal email at jsivyer@oh.rr.com.

I look forward to year #2 ! Real People, Real Truth, Really!

Jeff

It's A Sign!

Here we are on the edge of The Grove's first anniversary! We've witnessed so many things during our first year as an independant church. I can't wait to read all the testimonies that will be published this weekend. I'm also looking forward to worshipping outdoors and all of the extra special things that will be happening. I'm praying you are all coming and bringing a friend or family member with you.

I'm excited to let you know that tonight Tom Winfield, Lennie Pitsenbarger and myself put our new sign atop the pole at the road. I've included some pictures for you.

Saturday morning we'll spreuce up The Grove and we'll be ready to celebrate.

Thanks to all of you that have made this church one that's made up of Real People, learning the Real Truth, Really!


Jeff