This is Dr. Mohler's column:
A New Exodus? Americans are Exiting Liberal Churches
Monday, Jun. 12, 2006 Posted: 9:21:20AM EST
"We have figured out your problem. You're the only one here who believes in God." That statement, addressed to a young seminarian, introduces Dave Shiflett's new book, Exodus: Why Americans are Fleeing Liberal Churches for Conservative Christianity. The book is an important contribution, and Shiflett offers compelling evidence that liberal Christianity is fast imploding upon itself.
Might be worth adding to my reading list...click on the title.
---Katie
7 comments:
Yes, interesting. I agree, as I have been observing this first hand. A few months ago, I made the move from the liberal to conservative church. A very healthy, growing conservative congregation. Not even a contempory service. Only the Word is preached.
And yet there is growth and the people are generously giving. I have to pinch myself that I am actually a part of what a few months ago I didn't know was happening. I am so thankful that I finally listened to God and made the move.
Would you mind sharing what denomination you switched to? I see a lot of our members going from ELCA to LCMS and they are so happy with the theology and what they hear from the pulpit and in education hour...yet I hear the LCMS is losing members. I wonder why the trend is not holding in the Lutheran churches.
Well said Trubble. I am still Lutheran thanks to a LCMS congregation. I can deal with the "small stuff" , having left the "big stuff". However, as my LCMS pastor recently said. "None of the small stuff or big stuff in this world changes what Jesus has done for us. Funny how I can remember what he says, but I wasn't hearing what the liberal ELCA pastor was saying anymore. Guess God opened my ears, as well as my eyes.
Well, I have went to an LCMS Pastor's retreat (I was the only ELCA pastor in attendance). Have to say I REAALLLY enjoyed the fellowship. One of the only continuing ed retreats that actually dealt with Scripture from beginning to end. Was helpful.
I think the LCMS has a better Scriptural and confessional hermenutic. Where I agree with Trouble is that the ELCA does have a more "ecumenical" grasp of some things in that it doesn't isolate itself. I told one LCMS pastor that we need them to be more involved with us. "Why?" he asked. Because we need you! was my reply.
Peace in the Lord Jesus!
Rob Buechler
I guess I am going to have to read Barna's book. I am so "over" the institutional church. We have been fighting at my church for the last, oh, ten years perhaps with a brief respite of a year with a wonderful interim pastor whose role it was to bring healing to our church. We are now in worse shape than we were when the synod sent him to us. I am so worn out with it. I hate to leave because of those who need to stay because it is their job, or because their kids have special needs and don't need the disruption in their lives. If the church is supposed to be a community of faith, even a family perhaps, why is it ok for a pastor to come in and say, "Hey, if you don't like it, you are free to leave?" Do people like that realize that for some of us, leaving our church is like a divorce?
Katie wrote: "Do people like that realize that for some of us, leaving our church is like a divorce?"
Katie, you are assuming that people like this actually believe divorce is somehow sinful and hurtful...something to be avoided and worked against.
Of course it is interesting that those who are telling people to go take a flying leap are the same people spouting about the importance of "unity" isn't it?!
Lesson: Even these nut jobs realize that unity without truth won't work.
Peace in the Lord!
Rob Buechler
Katie,
I found your divorce comment interesting. I recall that abuse is a reason for divorce. Could the behavior of your pastor toward those who disagree with him border on abuse. No matter how much it hurts, sometimes divorce must be. The alternative is stay and have your spirit broken and Satan smiling.
There are churches out there that are Bible based with spirit filled congegations, and even fiscally healthy. No, none perfect. But some try harder than others.
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