Authentic, Real and Local

[EA]

The old saying goes "all politics are local". I think that is what the Kingdom of God is too. Fellowships are helpful, organizations has their place, but in reality, the Kingdom of God grows as a result of local efforts. The weekly worship services, hospital visits, nursing home ministry, prison ministry, youth/student ministries, benevolence, witnessing, community service, influencing and impacting a community, it all comes from the local assembly.

This is a scriptural truth, Deke.

There are no fellowships and/or organizations without local churches. I encourage every pastor reading this to consider the needs of their local assembly above any other ministry. Once those needs are met, branch out into other avenues of giving.

No one from an outside ministry is going to care about the Staunton church like its members. No one cares about this city like the members of this church. If revival and growth comes, it will be because someone here paid the price.

Growth IS local. God revealed this to us in Revelation, chapters one through three. He spoke to each of those churches, specifically. He didn't send one uniform message to them. He addressed each of their strengths and weaknesses. The Kingdom of God is local.

[Sam]

Originally Posted by Edward Anglin

There are still churches that operate this way. We experienced a raid on our membership recently by a neighboring church that is more interested in winning the saved instead of the lost. Thankfully, the damage was minimal.

This is really sad. Churches trying to lure folks from other churches instead of winning the lost. I wonder what percentage of what we call "church growth" is just people going from one church to another.

[EA]

Most people are drawn to the local church, not what "brand" it is, but to its people, ministries, its leadership. Did they feel welcome? Did they sense true and authentic worship? Did they receive a message of hope and faith through the preaching? Do the people seem to be real, down to earth, non-religious, hospitable?

Absolutely.

Most folks can't even tell you what "Pentecostal" or "Apostolic" means. They do care about connections. They want to be plugged into something powerful and personal. They want to be nurtured and nurturing.

[deacon blues]

I appreciate the input EA and Co. I really enjoy the discussion.