I remember some of the real old timers during the late 70's thinking that dinosaurs were a trick of the scientists/devil.
I DO remember bible studies being MUCH more common. The question would be asked "How many are teaching a Search for Truth?" and at least 5-8 hands would go up. Now I think it is just a tiny fraction of that.
Depends what you define as "good". LOL I am personally thankful that fiery,gasping,asthma-like preaching is less common and replaced with more thoughtful teaching.
I see more sermons on mind exercises and self spirit lifting and less leaning on the word of God. I see less solid teaching today not more...
I remember my then pastor's wife standing up in front of the church on Dec. 31st, 1979 and proclaiming that she always believe that God would return in the 80's. She's now almost 30 years older and wishes He had!
I have Prophecy Digest books that were out during that era that are now good reading material if you need a good laugh.
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I've gone and done it now! I'm on Facebook!!!
Actually, that is another thing from the 80's. The imminent return of the Lord for his Church. There was a feeling during most of the decade that is was going to happen at any moment and we probably would not see the 90's..... and those still in school would not see graduation or marriage, and others need not bother with planning for retirement.....
It was the decade of Steve Timons and the "Mark of the Beast" where every advancement in technology was heralded as a sign from above.
What is the median age of your church? I would gather 60 or older?
Many churches today that exhibit the changes I talked about would have a median age of 35-40.
The smaller the church the older the age.
No we are a 400 member progressive UPC church, but in some ways still traditional. 2 services on Sun, wed nite Study, fellowship with food, preaching against sin, shockamoo if you want to type church.
Now we do have many departments, and our youth have a very aggressive cutting edge ministry.
__________________ "It is inhumane, in my opinion, to force people who have a genuine medical need for coffee to wait in line behind people who apparently view it as some kind of recreational activity." Dave Barry 2005
I am a firm believer in the Old Paths
Articles on such subjects as "The New Birth," will be accepted, whether they teach that the new birth takes place before baptism in water and Spirit, or that the new birth consists of baptism of water and Spirit. - THE PENTECOSTAL HERALD Dec. 1945
"It is doubtful if any Trinitarian Pentecostals have ever professed to believe in three gods, and Oneness Pentecostals should not claim that they do." - Daniel Segraves
Actually, that is another thing from the 80's. The imminent return of the Lord for his Church. There was a feeling during most of the decade that is was going to happen at any moment and we probably would not see the 90's..... and those still in school would not see graduation or marriage, and others need not bother with planning for retirement.....
It was the decade of Steve Timons and the "Mark of the Beast" where every advancement in technology was heralded as a sign from above.
LOL!
Could that be the Mark of the Beast on Gorby's forehead?
__________________ "It is inhumane, in my opinion, to force people who have a genuine medical need for coffee to wait in line behind people who apparently view it as some kind of recreational activity." Dave Barry 2005
I am a firm believer in the Old Paths
Articles on such subjects as "The New Birth," will be accepted, whether they teach that the new birth takes place before baptism in water and Spirit, or that the new birth consists of baptism of water and Spirit. - THE PENTECOSTAL HERALD Dec. 1945
"It is doubtful if any Trinitarian Pentecostals have ever professed to believe in three gods, and Oneness Pentecostals should not claim that they do." - Daniel Segraves
No we are a 400 member progressive UPC church, but in some ways still traditional. 2 services on Sun, wed nite Study, fellowship with food, preaching against sin, shockamoo if you want to type church.
Now we do have many departments, and our youth have a very aggressive cutting edge ministry.
Many of the things listed have not changed here either, Steve. I am still enjoying thoughtful and well prepared teaching on Wed. night.
We had over 100 in our prayer meeting tonight.
Our youth service broke its attendance record this past week.
And my pastor still preaches against sin, whether it be Sunday AM or Sunday PM.
What I have seen in a lot of churches is the unnecessary emphasis on community rather than content. Many will understand what I am mean by that and others will think I am blasting outreach, which I am not.
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Only the mediocre are at their best all the time.
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