Needy Saints?

[Michael Phelps]

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

It's the "mentality" that keeps a church from growing.

I think a lot of it is the social club aspect too......smaller groups are more intimate, people who have been together for a long time are more comfortable with each other, and often visitors are viewed as outsiders and interlopers....

You find this with villages and small cities, as well.....large, metropolitan cities seem to have friendlier people, simply because almost everyone is a newcomer....the smaller family occupied towns are more "clique-ish" because of the years of history and multiple generations of the same families........

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by Michael Phelps

I think a lot of it is the social club aspect too......smaller groups are more intimate, people who have been together for a long time are more comfortable with each other, and often visitors are viewed as outsiders and interlopers....

You find this with villages and small cities, as well.....large, metropolitan cities seem to have friendlier people, simply because almost everyone is a newcomer....the smaller family occupied towns are more "clique-ish" because of the years of history and multiple generations of the same families........

You can also bring in the aspect of jealous competition. That's another can of worms.

I had a pastor tell me that they didn't want more members as it was easier to take care of a smaller flock. I'm like, Wow, you better tell God that He's done here.

[Michael Phelps]

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

You can also bring in the aspect of jealous competition. That's another can of worms.

I had a pastor tell me that they didn't want more members as it was easier to take care of a smaller flock. I'm like, Wow, you better tell God that He's done here.

I've heard basically the same thing.

One person (pastor) is only equipped to deal with a certain number of congregants, much like one teacher is only equipped to deal with a certain number of students.

The problem enters when the pastor is too insecure to delegate to other ministers in the church, and so he would rather keep the congregation small enough to handle on his own........

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by Michael Phelps

I've heard basically the same thing.

One person (pastor) is only equipped to deal with a certain number of congregants, much like one teacher is only equipped to deal with a certain number of students.

The problem enters when the pastor is too insecure to delegate to other ministers in the church, and so he would rather keep the congregation small enough to handle on his own........

You know, Michael, I haven't really met very many people throughout my lifetime that are extremely efficient and organized.

I think that some in ministry don't realize their limitations. For instance, I know someone right now that is the most inefficient and the most unorganized person I have ever known. Yet, they can sing wonderful and pray with people.

So, my suggestion would be, find someone that you trust to help you in the areas you are lacking - let's unify this work together and build something great.

Alas, the control issue seems to always block real reform and growth. We aren't really very humble people, I don't think. I think God feels very sorry for us.

[Cindy]

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

You know, Michael, I haven't really met very many people throughout my lifetime that are extremely efficient and organized.

I think that some in ministry don't realize their limitations. For instance, I know someone right now that is the most inefficient and the most unorganized person I have ever known. Yet, they can sing wonderful and pray with people.

So, my suggestion would be, find someone that you trust to help you in the areas you are lacking - let's unify this work together and build something great.

Alas, the control issue seems to always block real reform and growth. We aren't really very humble people, I don't think. I think God feels very sorry for us.