"The Open Church" by James Rutz

[n david]

Originally Posted by Jermyn Davidson

I think it is a fair question, based on what you posted.

If the gathering is growing, why not organize it in a way that makes sense?

Was there a question there? It appeared more an accusation than a question.

To answer your question, there hasn't been new growth. One family left, and a single mom and her kids began attending a few weeks ago.

It can be organized without becoming non profit and turning it into a business.

[n david]

Originally Posted by CC1

So you don't want the church to grow and reach people for Christ?

Not sure why this has a question mark at the end, since it's more an accusation. How absurd! Yes, I want the fellowship to grow and absolutely I want to reach people for Christ.

Now, please explain how becoming a non profit and turning the fellowship into a business will achieve that goal.

Originally Posted by CC1

You want to keep it just your family and couple of others so you will feel comfortable?

Again, this really isn't a question; rather, more an accusation.

The most comfortable people on the planet are the spectators sitting in church pews. Ha! And you know that's the TRUTH!

Here's how I wanted to be comfortable... I left a cushy position on the church board, an incredible position as an associate student minister and a comfortable position as the worship leader. The latter of which I held for nearly a decade at the church we attended.

I did so after a long argument with God over what He wanted vs what I wanted. Believe me, if I wanted to be comfortable, I would have stayed in the church, instead of leaving friends and familiarity.

Originally Posted by CC1

Wow. I guess it is a good thing you weren't there on the day of Pentecost in Acts because you would have been so disappointed at how many were added to the church that day.

I'm going to ignore this statement, because it's completely ignorant and ridiculous.

[Jermyn Davidson]

Originally Posted by n david

Was there a question there? It appeared more an accusation than a question.

To answer your question, there hasn't been new growth. One family left, and a single mom and her kids began attending a few weeks ago.

It can be organized without becoming non profit and turning it into a business.

Making the decision to become a non-profit all the more peculiar. Thank you. I understand where you're coming from.

[n david]

Bump for CC1

Originally Posted by CC1
So you don't want the church to grow and reach people for Christ?

Not sure why this has a question mark at the end, since it's more an accusation. How absurd! Yes, I want the fellowship to grow and absolutely I want to reach people for Christ.

Now, please explain how becoming a non profit and turning the fellowship into a business will achieve that goal.

Originally Posted by CC1
You want to keep it just your family and couple of others so you will feel comfortable?

Again, this really isn't a question; rather, more an accusation.

The most comfortable people on the planet are the spectators sitting in church pews. Ha! And you know that's the TRUTH!

Here's how I wanted to be comfortable. I left a cushy position on the church board, an incredible position as an associate student minister and a comfortable position as the worship leader. The latter of which I held for nearly a decade at the church we attended.

I did so after a long argument with God over what He wanted vs what I wanted. Believe me, if I wanted to be comfortable, I would have stayed in the church, instead of leaving friends and familiarity.

Originally Posted by CC1
Wow. I guess it is a good thing you weren't there on the day of Pentecost in Acts because you would have been so disappointed at how many were added to the church that day.

I'm going to ignore this statement, because it's completely ignorant and ridiculous.

[n david]

Back to the book...

So this author says the church became weak and cold when it became professionally staffed...

But writes chapter 5 "Liberate Your Pastor."

Also, he says the term laymen is offensive, but continues using the term.

Thus far, and I'm just beginning chapter 5, the book is disappointing and the author confuses the reader with his fence straddling. First he's against the modern church, but then he's for continuing the failed system, albeit with some minor seating and scheduling adjustments.

I bought the book for 1.99 at Goodwill. There's a coupon for 1.00 off...I should have used the coupon.