Decloaked views from one who follows Jesus

Decloaked Responds: I am feeling that God is calling me and the people who make up the church to not confuse the church building with the church. Furthermore, what a wonderful thing it would be if the Holy Spirit let the church into the world to meet people as Chirst did, where they are. Taking joy, hope, and true compassion of Christ with them, while leaving judgement and cynicism where it belongs: in the dumpster in back of the church building.

Thanks to Britt Nicole for illustrating this in her video!

I'm going to come out and say it--

Acts 16:1-5

I am tired of hearing people comment that the church needs to attract more people!

A variation on this statement is: "Our church needs more young people in it."

My frustration is NOT that I dislike my church or the church in general or that I don't think God's church should encompass more people. None of the above. I LOVE Christ's Church.

I see the empty pews just like everyone else does. Yet I wonder if the pews themselves aren't part of the problem.

Some questions to consider-

We say we want more people to come to our church, but why?

Are we, as a church, willing to accept new ideas and ways of doing things that new people bring? Are we willing to accept people that may not look like traditional Christians?

Perhaps there is an unsaid qualifier after the statement, If only we could get more people to come/join OUR church? (and follow our rules, culture, traditions, and leadership while not introducing any significant element of change) In other words what is left out is as long as we're in charge, whoever "we" is, we want more people to come here.

Would congregations who have not gained visitors or members do any better or worse by saying, We don't want new members of visitors to come here instead saying the converse statement? Would there be any difference in the numbers?

There are certain things in life that are bi product desirables such as earning money or being famous. In order to achieve these oftentimes bi product benefits, one cannot focus on the bi products, but rather be passionate or excelling at something else that produces the wanted bi-products.

For example, In order to earn money, one needs to focus ones energy in providing product or service that is valued by someone else. Only when someone chooses to buy this product or service will the seller earn money. No one really cares to hear someone say, "Man, I really want to make money" except of course for folks who sell get rich quick schemes on late night infomercials.

Sales trainer Tom Hopkins answers a customers question of "How much commission do you make?" with "Yes, I receive compensation for the services I provide,but the benefits you receive will far exceed this compensation."

Perhaps increasing church membership is like that too. In order for a church to get people to come to church one has to focus not on the numbers but on prayer and God's Word, heartfelt and meaningful service to people outside the doors of the church, and living life daily with Christian humility, joy,enthusiasm and authenticity among people outside the walls of the church.

But ultimately, isn't it God's business that His church grows?

Glimpsing God through the Coach Prism



Decloaked Responds:
While I viewed this video clip, I wondered if God is like a coach. I find it easy to slip into the false mode of thinking that God is really a pushover of sorts: quick to forgive and full of mercy with little or no high expectations for us. The first part is true, he is quick to forgive and full of mercy yes, but a pushover, no! Does the coach in the video act like a pushover? I have to remind myself that God has a purpose, a calling, and a mission for each one of us. If we are content to recline and think that the world is meant to serve our every fancy and whim, we are mistaken.

Holding this type of attitude is a disservice to the Christian martyrs of history who stood their ground, did hard stuff, and were murdered for the Cause of Christ.
Forgive me, Lord.

Help me to give "My Utmost for His Highest"

Daring to Stand Out For God

The One Thing I Know

Wasted time

Every minute one spends fuming or twisted in angst is a minute
forever lost that could have been spent reflecting on God's forgiveness, grace and love poured out for God's children.

Remember -"This too shall pass."

Don't Let THEM steal your Joy!

Don't tell me Jokes,
Talk to me about Jesus.