Blog Archives
American Church Attendance is Falling
It’s called the New Exodus.
An 85% drop in church attendance during the last two weeks is emptying America’s churches and has left church leaders from every denomination scrambling to figure out why the pews are empty. A recent study of those who have stopped attending church services sheds light on the New Exodus.
Overextended families are hardest hit. “My family and I are too busy for church. We had to stop something. Between fishing, American Idol reruns, soccer practice, renting movies, and Facebook, we don’t have time to focus on God.“ Mike Weinberg, Gary, IN.
Some have cited “lack of motivation” and the “desire to chill” as the reasons he wouldn’t be coming back. “I still believe in God and everything. It’s just that I’ve got a lot going on, and could really use some down time on Sundays.” Rajam Prasheed, Litchfield, IL
“It’s really hard to pay attention on Sunday anyway” remarks Jill Haskins of New Orlean, LA. “I spend most Saturday evenings watching reruns of Hoarders on TLC until 3:30 am, and don’t have the energy for ‘church stuff.’”
Others have stated an inability to focus during long sermons that have no relevance to their actual lives. “12 minutes into the average sermon, I’m fading. It takes all myself control not to fall asleep or get up and walk out on most Sundays. 20 minutes in, I’m white knuckling the armrests on the pew. Last week, I decided, I’m not doing it anymore. I’m not coming back. If it wasn’t for Facebook, my weather app and ESPN on my Iphone, I’d have left a long time ago.” Jim Guest. Watercreak, MS.
Tom from Fresno, CA said, “I can’t take it anymore. I’m sitting there listening to some guy talk about the goat herding practices of ancient Syria, and all I can think about is MY WIFE IS LEAVING ME. I mean sure, those goats are important and all, but what can I do to save my marriage?”
Other Christians have decided to stop faking the front. Jane Wotham, from Lansing, MI, says she’s not going back because, “I’ve been going to church for the last 20 years, and haven’t really changed anything in my life. I’m basically the same bitter, self-involved jerk I’ve always been. Let’s be honest. I’m not doing anything else the Bible teaches so it’s only logical that I ignore those parts about gathering together.”
Redundant worship music is the reason Sandra Wheeler is leaving the Pew to the Few. “If I hear one more chorus of “How Great is Our God.” I swear, I mean, I promise, I’m going to rip my own ears off with my bare hands.”
“I can’t take it anymore,” explains Dale Chandler, “I know I serve an Awesome God, but doesn’t He deserve a new song once in a while. Don’t get me wrong. I love God and enjoy music, but after 49 minutes of Oh How He loves us, I start to question my faith.”
The nation’s pastors and parishioners are adjusting to the change.
Surprisingly congregational giving has remained stable. “Our offerings haven’t really gone down. “The 15% of the people who’ve stayed have been carrying the financial load for years.” Pastor Bill Frye of Seabring, FL
Heather, someone who is still going to church, likes the change, “it’s kinda nice, I mean, everyone there on a Sunday actually wants to be there; people are signing and stuff, and the pastor is able to actually talk straight with us. He isn’t watering it down to keep those other guys happy.”
“If you think about it, it’s really great. I’m spending my time helping people who actually want help instead of trying to be the spiritual cheerleader of the walking dead. Though, It’s kinda hard to preach now that everyone is paying attention. It keeps me on my toes.” Bill Fyre, Coopersvile, VA.
Story Update::: Some have been wondering where this survey was conducted. It wasn’t. It’s a joke.
To Death
Image by Bulle d'art via Flickr
O Death, where are your plagues? O Sheol, where is your sting? (Hosea 13:14 ESV)
Death, you’re done. You are on God’s hit list. He has your number. You shall reign no more. Disease, famine, war, and old age will all be destroyed without mercy.
God’s plan for humanity to live forever in perfect harmony with Him won’t be ruined by death or sin any longer.
The dead will rise. Loved ones will meet again. Bodies will be made new, and peace will reign on earth.
Disease will disappear, joints will move freely, and minds will be clear. All will be made new.
Jesus Christ overcame sin with His death and death through His resurrection. Those who make their robes white in His blood will stand forever before Him with tearless faces, singing songs of praise and victory.
Soon, there will be no more suffering or sorrow. There is a tomorrow. Wait for the morning. He is on His way.
7 Habits of Spiritual Fitness
1.) Trusting Jesus.
Trust God as you understand Him. This doesn’t mean I understand God to be Jesus and you understand Him to be a lollipop, and as long as we have equal faith we will get equal results. This would be trusting in faith not—trusting in God. Not all gods are equal. Only 1 came back from the dead. The more you understand about Him (Jesus), the more you will grow spiritually. His is the name above all names. Accept nothing less.
2.) Helping Others
Do something nice for someone. Pay someone’s bill. Listen to their stories. or take them to lunch. Encourage someone. Be good. Lend a hand. Say a kind word. Compliment their hair or their outfit. Weep when the weep, and rejoice when they rejoice. Caring for others changes us like no other. Offer someone help. You both will be blessed.
3.) Praying Often
Talking to God does wonders for your spiritual life. He is your heavenly Father, your Counselor, and your Friend. Talk to Him about anything and everything. He is not pushy, and He always has great advice. Be real with Him and speak often. Thank Him when you’re happy, and plead with Him when you’re in pain. Prayer works. It either changes your circumstances or it changes your heart. Most of the time, it changes both.
4.) Having Good Friends
Some friends are givers and some are takers. Some will bring you closer to Jesus and some will draw you away. Find some friends that will lead you the right way. Hanging out with good people will change you. You don’t always have to be praying or singing praise to God. Anytime spent in the presence of a good person helps.
5.) Reading Good Things
Reading scripture and godly writing works on your mind. Scripture is life. It energizes and teaches you. Start with the Bible’s stories. Don’t get bogged down in biblical genealogies or obscure prophecies. We remember stories better than lists of facts. Begin with stories about Jesus and His followers in the New Testament. The stories about God working with His people in the Old Testament are good.
6.) Confessing Your Junk
Yeah, I said it, confess. You may not go to a priest to share your dirty laundry but you need to confess. Confession in scripture means, “To say the same thing.” Acknowledging our wrongs is liberating. God promises if we confess we will be forgiven and cleansed. It works every time. Look for a godly person to confess to. Find someone trustworthy. It may be a neighbor, spouse, pastor, or godly friend. Don’t just spring your “junk” on them. Give them fair warning. Find the right time and place, and watch God work in you.
7.) Forgiving Others
It is easy to get stunted spiritually when you hold un-forgiveness. People waste their lives holding on to hate. We are called to love others, even if they don’t deserve it. We don’t have to trust them, agree with them, or have them in our house; but, we have to forgive them. Forgiving others brings freedom to ourselves. Forgive others and let God do something special in your life.
