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Post by Kristen on Oct 10, 2007 21:56:19 GMT -5
Like a lot of traditional, mainline churches, my church has had declining membership for years. Now we face a couple of big challenges: we need to renovate the sanctuary, which is really looking shabby and run-down, and our pastor is retiring, so we will be searching for another. Either one of these would be hard. Having to do both at the same time is scaring a lot of people, including me.
I believe that God could be on the brink of working a great revival in our church, but I don't see yet how — or, truly, if — it's going to happen or what I'm supposed to do.
I want to be a tool in the hands of God, but right now, I feel like I'm laying on the bench. That's impatience.
My other problem is fear. I have friends who attend the big rock 'n roll megachurches — but that is totally not for me. I like my staid little old-fashioned church and classical music, and I fear we are a dying breed.
I don't mind a little pop music once in a while, but if all the churches become rock 'n roll churches, where do us stodgy old folks go? That's more fear.
I know I need to "Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him" and that "Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe." But knowing and feeling are two different things.
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Post by Christian Soldier on Oct 10, 2007 22:12:33 GMT -5
Prayers away!
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Post by scholar on Oct 10, 2007 23:02:26 GMT -5
You will be in my prayers.
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Post by J Jack on Oct 11, 2007 14:22:03 GMT -5
Prayers aplenty for that. My church had the same issue once, but through several deals with contractors (who were church goers) and an old pastor offering to fill in for a while it all worked out for the best. So, my prayers for you and your church.
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Post by Kristen on Oct 11, 2007 17:59:57 GMT -5
Thanks, guys. I alternate between having days where I view the pastor's leaving as an "opportunity for improvement" and days when it's the biggest crisis I can imagine. And the renovation project just seems to escalate all the time. First it was replace the carpet, then fix some broken pews, now it's demolish the organ well and choir loft and rebuild them and move the pulpit and hey, let's replace the lighting while we're at it ...
and it all gets overwhelming. So I'm really struggling with that whole waiting patiently for the Lord business.
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Post by Christian Soldier on Oct 11, 2007 19:16:50 GMT -5
My church went through the same thing until they decided just to rebuild. It's actually cheaper that way. The Lord has opened so many doors for this to happen, too!
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Post by Teskas on Oct 12, 2007 15:30:35 GMT -5
I can empathize with you, kfstieffel. I was part of a mainline denomination--with beautiful churches, stained glass windows, choirs, exquisite organ music. Classical Christianity. In recent years its governing body has departed from "the faith once delivered". Now I belong to a continuing body of faithful who have had to leave their beautiful historic churches and start over again in difficult circumstances.
Our family drives 50 miles every Sunday to join with a faithful community in worship. Our building is small house which we are repairing, and which someday will be the offices of a purpose-built church. We hope by Christmas to have transformed a double garage into a sanctuary. Next year we look to engage an architect for building a church.
We miss the classicism terribly, and laugh at our pitiful circumstances. Our "electronic organist" plays off-key and off-tempo, and we sing nearly as well. Our windows are crazed with cracked panes rather than leaded lights.
We think it is a test of faith, without any guarantees of the outcome. It is a new way for most of us to live our faith and as far as we are concerned a chance to grow spiritually.
We have two mature, well-educated, godly clergy to encourage us with our efforts, prudent and sensible vestry, and a wonderful, supportive membership.
So don't worry or be discouraged. "For we know all things work together to the good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." (Rom 8:28)
You and your congregation are in my prayers.
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Post by Christian Soldier on Oct 12, 2007 19:14:24 GMT -5
It takes a lot of guts to leave like that. And a lot of prayer. May God bless you all.
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Post by Kristen on Oct 12, 2007 20:00:57 GMT -5
Wow, Teskas. That's amazing. Makes our whole pews vs. chairs debates seem awfully petty. Well, we already knew the were petty, but we're having them anyway. And your story explains why I added "and The Church" to the name of this thread.
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