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Re: Christian Life Center Stockton CA
Quote:
Originally Posted by n david
This isn't aimed at CC1 or you, but I've had this debate with people in the past . . .
Some people will criticize a church for what they believe is lack of growth (numbers), but then they will criticize a church who is growing and publishes their growth (numbers).
What is the primary reason for the church? Is it to win new souls? Or, is it to instruct, edify and send out those who are already believers?
If the primary mission of the church is to win new souls, then there should be consistent numerical growth.
If the primary mission of the church is to instruct, edify and send out those who are already believers, then it is possible a church may not show much numerical growth at all.
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I would hope a church would endeavor to do both! What good is it to win people to the Lord if you don't disciple them?
To your point though I do understand there are situations where the size of a church and its growth are constrained by circumstances. For example a church in a small rural community might actually be in an area of declining and aging population. That church could not fairly be judged as not doing a good job if it did not exhbit much growth. On the other hand I don't believe there is any excuse for a church in a populous area not growing as there are plenty of people to reach.
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"I think some people love spiritual bondage just the way some people love physical bondage. It makes them feel secure. In the end though it is not healthy for the one who is lost over it or the one who is lives under the oppression even if by their own choice"
Titus2woman on AFF
"We did not wear uniforms. The lady workers dressed in the current fashions of the day, ...silks...satins...jewels or whatever they happened to possess. They were very smartly turned out, so that they made an impressive appearance on the streets where a large part of our work was conducted in the early years.
"It was not until long after, when former Holiness preachers had become part of us, that strict plainness of dress began to be taught.
"Although Entire Sanctification was preached at the beginning of the Movement, it was from a Wesleyan viewpoint, and had in it very little of the later Holiness Movement characteristics. Nothing was ever said about apparel, for everyone was so taken up with the Lord that mode of dress seemingly never occurred to any of us."
Quote from Ethel Goss (widow of 1st UPC Gen Supt. Howard Goss) book "The Winds of God"
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