My church has recently started growing through reproduction.:glow:
The problem is: despite a large Childrens church ministry, and the availability of both babysitting and a crying room, it's very hard to concentrate on the pastor. I'm happy to see kids in church, but also feel I should be able to attend and not have crayons being thrown at me, or children running up and down the aisles, and crawling up on me when I'm trying to take notes. The adults seem oblivious to the distraction they're creating, as often they're busy occupying their kids. Any ideas?
SWB,Too many American Christians believe the building is the 'Church'(I go to church).
The Church(Ekklesia:Greek for called out) are the people.
In America the church has become a corporation,an organization,not the organism that it is to be.
Sadly to say men are looking to a man to being the Pastor,when Yeshua is the Pastor.
In Psalm 23 The LORD is my Shepherd.
The Hebrew word for Shepherd is ra'ah(#7462 Strongs Hebrew).
This same Hebrew word is also used as Pastor in Jeremiah 23.
The Greek word for Pastor is the word 'Poimen )# 4166 Strongs Greek)-(used only once in Ephesians 4:11).
This also is used for the word Shepherd;except 1st Peter 5:4.
The problem with the church today is,they do not understand,what the Word says about Biblical Eldership and the plurality of Elders.
If the fellowship were to be adhering to the Scriptural mandate of Elders and not Pastor,then there might not be as many problems as we see(Read the qualifications for Elders 1st Timothy 3:1-7& Titus 1:5-9).
Also most of the body of believers have never heard of or have been taught about the Priesthood of Believers.
This is found in 1st Peter 2:1-10 and practised in 1st Corinthians 14:1-33.
Without these the body really has relinquished,or rather has had their spiritual authority when they meet together with other believers,taken or usurped,and this might be Yeshua talked about in Revelation 2:15,The doctrine of the Nicolaitanes.
If the body of believers understood the word of the Lord,as it is written,instead of how men want them to know,there would be a different attitude within the body.
SWB,if you understood your position in christ as He says,not as men say,for men say that you and others are nothing more than Sinners saved by Grace.
In all actuality,you and every believer in Yeshua are Adopted Sons/children(Teknon-Greek).
