How would church change if the economy collapsed?

[Sam]

could see changes like:
--cutting back to one service a week, once every two weeks, or once a month
--closing church buildings and meeting in homes in neighborhoods,
--home meetings where folks share food (potluck) have some songs, teaching, prayer for each individual there
--folks might start attending a church that is closer to home rather than drive miles

This might be a return to first century Christianity if we don't have church buildings but meet in homes or in parks or yards

[OP_Carl]

Originally Posted by Charnock

How would church change if the economy collapsed?

Offerings would be down.

Random requests for spare cash would be up.

Folks might begin to study the biblical validity of the Roman Catholic Brick-and-Mortar, Priesthood-and-Laity church model, and determine that their hard-earned cash does more good feeding actual hungry people than keeping the lights on in a building that's occupied 3 times per week.

[mizpeh]

Originally Posted by James Griffin

Time will tell Mija, collapse is inevitable, it remains to be seen if the character of the American people will be -I am responsible for my brother, or dog eat dog.

Judging by the actions of many who claim to be Christian the verdict is out. However, in Houston there were so many reports of genuine selfless acts that hope springs eternal. On the other hand I must remind myself that Houston is unique in many ways.

Total Depravity is a myth?

[mizpeh]

I was thinking what would happen if there was an economic collapse a couple of days ago because of another thread.

My first thought was: No social security checks, no medicare/medicaid.

Families would HAVE to take care of their parents.

Adult children will be looking to live with their parents again.

People would have gardens for food.

The pickling industry would flourish. Less eating out. Restaurants closing and other service oriented businesses would close.

Apples would be sold on the street for a nickel.

We would have to trust God more.

[Withdrawn]

Originally Posted by electric.S10

How about people get up off their backsides and walk to church? A mile or two walk will not hurt most of us .Or like was said earlier met house to house like in the book of Acts. Most have gotten so lazy they do good to walk to the car . Ride a bike to church and have a pitch in after service .Then brothers and sisters will you build a even stronger fellowship and strength .

Why should I get off my backside to "walk to church?" I AM the church! There is no biblical model for a building being "the house of God" or the "storehouse."

Originally Posted by OP_Carl

Folks might begin to study the biblical validity of the Roman Catholic Brick-and-Mortar, Priesthood-and-Laity church model, and determine that their hard-earned cash does more good feeding actual hungry people than keeping the lights on in a building that's occupied 3 times per week.

That's a good thought, but I wouldn't count on it. I still believe there will be a hard line group (obviously with a vested interest) that will fight for it and will preach that people should give to the church first (the house of God) and let God take care of their hungry and homeless families. And people will obey because they are in submission to those in authority.

[MissBrattified]

I think tough times tend to bring people together, and present more opportunities for the church to actually BE the church.

[MamaHen]

Originally Posted by Aquila

You'd see liquidation of non-essential assets and perhaps even an explosion of house church networks with low overhead and vast evangelistic potential.

Wouldn't that be awesome? How glorious for God to do an amazing work through hardship and trials....

[Arphaxad]

I think more people will start going to church when they lose everything they have, when they realize the things they were depending on were not right things. There won't be buildings big enough to hold them.

ARPH

[OP_Carl]

Originally Posted by jaamez

That's a good thought, but I wouldn't count on it. I still believe there will be a hard line group (obviously with a vested interest) that will fight for it and will preach that people should give to the church first (the house of God) and let God take care of their hungry and homeless families. And people will obey because they are in submission to those in authority.

This is inaccurate, and very cynical.

Don't you believe that church leaders will be able to step up to the plate and make sacrificial decisions? Or will the plight and suffering of their flock just cause them to clinch that offering pan ever tighter?
If the church has a mortgage it may be out of the pastor's hands anyhow.

[OP_Carl]

Originally Posted by Arphaxad

I think more people will start going to church when they lose everything they have, when they realize the things they were depending on were not right things. There won't be buildings big enough to hold them.

ARPH

That's not just biblical, it's bible!