Why is Church Attendance Dropping?

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by 1ofthechosen

Aquila you're being way over dramatic on this!! But universal healthcare is terrible, can you find one person who truly is in support of it? With Obama care they were just trying to micro chip people. Obama care was the worse thing we were ever forced into though. So anybody supporting it, is just pretty much asking for it. I don't identify politically with either parties. This world is not my home!

Rose,

Please note the attack that merely suggesting you post a liberal perspective illicited. The inaccuracies and false comparisons are laughable (Obamacare wasn't universal healthcare). The paranoia about microchipping people only helps us realize that fake news is alive and well. And the implication that if one believes in any of the universal healthcare models (ranging from Canadas single payer, to Switzerland's free market model) makes one of this world.

I haven't read the next few posts yet, but I'm sure someone will attack.

He's also not aware of the growing support, especially in the medical community, for HR 676.

I have reasons for supporting it and believing that America can do this and do it better than any other nation.

For accurate information on a decent plan, go to: http://www.pnhp.org

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by Evang.Benincasa

You want church to look like group?

Small groups are my personal preference. But, I was saying that most Americans see church as a very expensive show they don't have time for.

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by Evang.Benincasa

Oh is that because people are calling you wanting you to be their life coach?

Yeah, it becomes virtually non-stop. Lol

[Evang.Benincasa]

Originally Posted by Aquila

Rose,

Please note the attack that merely suggesting you post a liberal perspective illicited. The inaccuracies and false comparisons are laughable (Obamacare wasn't universal healthcare). The paranoia about microchipping people only helps us realize that fake news is alive and well. And the implication that if one believes in any of the universal healthcare models (ranging from Canadas single payer, to Switzerland's free market model) makes one of this world.

I haven't read the next few posts yet, but I'm sure someone will attack.

I have reasons for supporting it and believing that America can do this and do it better than any other nation.

[1ofthechosen]

Originally Posted by Aquila

Rose,

Please note the attack that merely suggesting you post a liberal perspective illicited. The inaccuracies and false comparisons are laughable (Obamacare wasn't universal healthcare). The paranoia about microchipping people only helps us realize that fake news is alive and well. And the implication that if one believes in any of the universal healthcare models (ranging from Canadas single payer, to Switzerland's free market model) makes one of this world.

I haven't read the next few posts yet, but I'm sure someone will attack.

He's also not aware of the growing support, especially in the medical community, for HR 676.

I have reasons for supporting it and believing that America can do this and do it better than any other nation.

For accurate information on a decent plan, go to: http://www.pnhp.org

So defensive!! So obamacare and health care reform, are what makes you tick huh? Beards, obamacare, and health care reform? Alright, I guess to each his own.

[Scott Pitta]

Bright lights and smoke are a reason to not attend a church. I certainly would not be part of a church with such ambience.

[RachelRose]

Originally Posted by Aquila

I think church as it is done in the United States is a big Sunday Show. It's expensive, and so it is always needing money for things that don't really come back in any meaningful way to members. People also don't like being controlled without dialogue, conversation, and consideration of their life experiences. People want authenticity. People get tired of getting up early, dressing up, getting all the kids dressed up, rushing out of the house, and driving across town to... sit and listen to a sermon.

Also here's a biggie that no one has yet to believe me on...

Politics.

Christianity in the United States is married to political conservatism and the Republican Party. When it comes down to it... we've tailored our message to be one that almost makes being a political conservative required to be a good Christian.

The problem is... over half of the American public don't entirely agree with either political party. Most are conservative on some issues and liberal on others. People are suspicious of political parties and agendas. By being married with to the GOP... as it decreases in popularity, so will we. As Trump, or any other candidate the church appears to prop up, drops in popularity... so will the church. I see it everywhere. Since Evangelicals put Trump over the finish line in the election, a lot of people think church going Christians are either buffoons, closet racists, or are only blind loyalist lapdog drones for the GOP.

In the house churches I've attended, I've discovered quite a few political moderates and liberals. A few have even voiced that they became tired of feeling like unless they were Republican they weren't valued members or "good Christians". Most are left of center in their politics, and see themselves more as Independents. But a few identify Democrat.

If you don't believe me... just "pretend" to be a Democrat, or to support a liberal cause like universal healthcare, and watch the hate, venom, name calling, etc. pour down on you. Suddenly deeply spiritual men you've trusted will turn on you like a pack of wild dogs. Go ahead and even post something that sounds politically "liberal" on this forum... you'll be berated and brow beaten.

I used to go by my real name on internet forums. Apostolic Man was one of my favorites. I voiced my disappointment over President Bush on domestic policy. I felt that a change was needed and I came out in support of Sen. John Kerry. A few brothers from church evidently saw the post, or were told about it, and before I knew it I was being baited into arguments after church. They even tried to bait me into an argument at a men's prayer breakfast. I didn't deny my support for Kerry. I was called a "baby killer", a "Communist", a "Socialist", a "traitor", a "red-diaper-doper-baby" (whatever that is), and the list could go on. My Jeep was even keyed.

After being confronted and thinking I was going to be caught in a physical confrontation after choir practice one night, I decided to not go by my real name on Apostolic internet forums. I approached my pastor about it, and he actually acted amused and like he was almost proud of them for keying my car, threatening me, and harassing me. Now, I can take it. But if someone damages my property, I think they've gone too far. Of course I dropped it after I realized I was going to be ridiculed for pushing that it be addressed somehow. It wasn't worth the trouble.

That's what it can be like being a moderate or a liberal in our churches. That's what the Gospel of Rush Limbaugh has done to us.

Do you think a Democrat or political moderate to liberal will want anything to do with churches if that's what they have to contend with during the elections? Not to mention that every sermon has a quip or a blurb propping up the "conservative" candidate.

Honestly, I can't blame them for not wanting anything to do with churches. They are often just political action committees dressed up like churches. This is why I'm so passionate about not preaching politics from the pulpit. Church should be the one place people of any political persuasion could be able to come and just be a fellow Christian with Christian brothers and sisters. It should be a place where we hear only about Jesus and the ways of the Lord. Not political agendas, candidates, blah, blah, blah. All that stuff is of the world.

P.S.
It's not just Apostolic churches.

So true.

In all the years I have gone to the POA, they are very active in politics. Sheriff Grady appears there once a year around election time. Brother AM makes a big deal he was there and dropped off a huge check. Not only him but a whole train of people are given special notice on a Sunday morning.

It is a foul and evil practice!

[RachelRose]

Originally Posted by 1ofthechosen

Aquila you're being way over dramatic on this!! But universal healthcare is terrible, can you find one person who truly is in support of it? With Obama care they were just trying to micro chip people. Obama care was the worse thing we were ever forced into though. So anybody supporting it, is just pretty much asking for it. I don't identify politically with either parties. This world is not my home!

NEVER use your real name.

I agree; "this world is not my home, I am just a passing through..."

[RachelRose]

Originally Posted by BuckeyeBukaroo

If it takes big lights and smokescreens to bring them in, it will take big lights and smokescreens to keep them and when the emptiness of these things are realized they will either convince themselves they're not empty or they'll simply leave in search for the next big thing or something incredibly primitive.

Plus we are in the last days. The love of many will grow cold.

PERFECT !

You understand my post. I posted a video about the NFL. The love of football has infected all the UPCI churches. We have saints more in love watching men smash into each other then loving Jesus. They can quote all sort of facts and figures about their sport yet cannot quote the Bible. That video DOES talk about that love but some TROLLS on this site did not have the energy to watch the video. The video also talks about how these men are killing because of their brain damage. Children in Pee Wee Football are getting the disease.

[RachelRose]

Originally Posted by consapente89

IT?????????

Some people do not display the fruits of the Spirit.