Comments for Life Reference

Comment on Music, Traditions and Change by Don Merritt

Don Merritt — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 19:09:51 +0000

I agree! It is a precious legacy indeed!

Comment on Music, Traditions and Change by Don Merritt

Don Merritt — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 19:07:48 +0000

Hi Mike! Two very good questions:

First, and I’m only speaking of our experience here and not any one else’s, the increase in numbers for the most part has been in new Christians and not in people who have been Christians for a long time. As to valid reasons for not attending church, it is my opinion that for a Christian, there is no such thing. The changes that we made did two things ultimately, first in seeking spiritual growth for existing members of our congregation, we began to see people sharing their faith and inviting their friends who had not previously done so. Second, the changes that we made in our services enabled us to increase the percentage of new people, mostly non Christians who come back, and in due course to give their lives to Christ. Of course, given an opportunity to grow themselves, those “new” Christians began inviting their friends, and the process repeats itself. All along the way, you can see lives being changed as people grow in their relationship with the Lord.

As to your second question, I can’t help but wonder at all that God has done! Please understand that numbers are not the end in and of themselves, but rather an indication of something much more important. Who cares how many services we have? Nobody, it’s just that we don’t have a big room as compared to many other congregations. What is important is that people are giving their lives to Jesus Christ, they are growing in their faith, and people who have never done so before are taking an active role in serving God in various ways and leaving their old lives in the past. I don’t know about anyone else, but I am inclined to give all credit and glory to God, rather than taking it for myself or anyone else. Yes sir, there is no question that God is working here; you can see it in the lives of the people!

Comment on Music, Traditions and Change by mike and brandy

mike and brandy — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 01:53:39 +0000

hey brother. just a note with a question many don’t ask today in regards to church growth and ‘numbers’:

so, when the numbers started increasing with the changes, did anyone stop to ask the reverse question…

why were people not coming out in big numbers before the changes and would those reasons be valid or acceptable reasons to ‘avoid’ or not attend services at a particular congregation?
also, why would the bigger numbers and needs for multiple ‘services’ after the changes necessarily be seen as ‘God’s Will be done’?

just asking and encouraging deeper thought than just ‘more people means more God’
-mike

Comment on Music, Traditions and Change by Pieter Stok

Pieter Stok — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 23:13:14 +0000

One thing we often forget about music is that a good selection keeps us in touch with the history of the church – the people of all ages. Thanks again Don.

Comment on Poor in spirit; great in reward by Evil Inside Us | Broken Believers ♡

Evil Inside Us | Broken Believers ♡ — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:49:53 +0000

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Comment on Looking at Your Traditions by Don Merritt

Don Merritt — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:28:43 +0000

Yes we do; it means fun and new adventures!

Comment on Looking at Your Traditions by blessandinspire

blessandinspire — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:25:43 +0000

I couldn’t agree more. It’s just that everyone seems hoggish on what that glorification looks like…and we know what that means.

Comment on Looking at Your Traditions by Don Merritt

Don Merritt — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 15:51:27 +0000

Thank you! It can’t be about this style versus that style, or my tradition or yours, it must be all about giving God the praise and glory that His due and building the Body of Christ!

Comment on Looking at Your Traditions by Don Merritt

Don Merritt — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 15:48:47 +0000

Walter, what great insight! Of course the key ingredient is having a congregation that is mature enough spiritually to realize that Christ is the center of everything and that style is meaningless. The priority is inclusiveness and Christ.

Comment on Looking at Your Traditions by walter bright

walter bright — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 23:03:02 +0000

Don, it is pretty sad how churches fight over the genre and musical styles they should use in their services. I have heard of church splits resulting from this disagreement. I think most churches and Christians are going down the wrong path when it come to worship music. We’ve made worship more about about worship itself and not about Christ and more about self or what “I” want. Style is meaningless in the face of the glory of Jesus, however, I think Jesus will meet each and everyone of us where we are in our musical taste. The 90 year old member in my church is never going to like rocking to the new stuff of our day and the teenager or young adult is not necessarily going to like Gregorian chants, unless they are into it. The beauty of a church shines bright when it’s people are able to worship along with songs that raise Jesus to His rightful place and a style that other brothers and sisters like. When this happens, style no longer matters – only Christ and the people we love the worship Him with.
Sorry if I took up much of your space.