tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329600504016968888.post4645171843579418850..comments2024-03-27T15:47:46.091-05:00Comments on Pastoral Meanderings: Bigger than nearly all other denominations...Pastor Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10653554256101480140noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329600504016968888.post-21376084629250934522012-08-09T00:28:38.133-05:002012-08-09T00:28:38.133-05:00The person who told you this: ""Pastor, ...The person who told you this: ""Pastor, don't spend all your time trying to bring back the church of the past." He was reacting to the efforts I was putting forth on those who had been inactive for a very long time. " obviously didn't know that parable of the lost sheep In Luke Chapter 15. Not going after the lost sheep shows a lack of caring.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329600504016968888.post-44841195137208578412012-07-09T15:03:22.499-05:002012-07-09T15:03:22.499-05:00I ran into your blog quite by accident. Interesti...I ran into your blog quite by accident. Interesting, as the picture of the pastor came up in an image search. He looked so much like other pastors that I know I just had to click on it. Then I saw this article. Very interesting. It reminded me of an article I wrote specifically for my church. I don't plan on keeping it public very long, but the link is http://atimelyword.com/a-spring-or-a-well/ I hope you find it interesting.Sandra Wolperthttp://atimelyword.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329600504016968888.post-18465714084778474442012-07-04T20:21:31.094-05:002012-07-04T20:21:31.094-05:00Obvious reasons why liberal churches are bleeding ...Obvious reasons why liberal churches are bleeding members:<br /><br />http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=16185#.T_TrWWt5mSNAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329600504016968888.post-78519205111301525812012-07-04T17:47:51.959-05:002012-07-04T17:47:51.959-05:00I agree with Janis. Apathy is one reason why peop...I agree with Janis. Apathy is one reason why people eventually quit church.<br /><br />Regarding Catholics, many people leave out of disgust over the inability of the Roman Catholic church to resolve longstanding internal problems. One example can be found here:<br /><br />http://www.snapnetwork.org/<br /><br />Has anyone ever considered that the disfunctionalism of the LCMS and the influence of Willow Creek may chase many Lutherans away? Where are the exploding membership numbers in the LCMS as promised by TCN, Saddleback, and Willow Creek? Should the LCMS sue the church consultants for a refund?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329600504016968888.post-56574501543917207382012-07-03T12:12:06.154-05:002012-07-03T12:12:06.154-05:00"Church Growth" says, "We have to ..."Church Growth" says, "We have to grow constantly (in numbers). We ought to have the biggest, the best, the most relevant ___________ (fill in the blank). If we don't, we'll lose members."<br /><br />Take a look at he mega chuch back door. I guess it could include Catholics. I know it could include some LCMS parishes. However, in John 6. Jesus was not into 'church growth.' <br /><br />The origin of the word apathy is the Stoics, who prided themselves on insensibility to suffering (not a comment on your preaching Fr. Peters!) However, another definition fits here, :"lack of interest in or concern for things that others find interesting or exciting."<br /><br />Apathy in/out of the pews is internal. It is deadly sin and not a defense mechanism. It comes from the heart. All of us who consider ourselves UNapathetic (is it a word?) should guard against, pray, and attend (not just be there, but pay attention to) the Means of Grace.Janis Williamshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02947508427040251166noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329600504016968888.post-63928372899528631212012-07-03T09:27:40.120-05:002012-07-03T09:27:40.120-05:00"Jesus lost 1 out of 10." ... Wasn't..."Jesus lost 1 out of 10." ... Wasn't it 1 out of 12?<br /><br />Thank you Pastor for your thoughts!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com