Autopsy of a Deceased Church Chapter 13

Chapter 13 –

Today is our last installment from Thom Rainer’s Autopsy of a Deceased Church – 12 ways to Keep Yours Alive. I will share his thoughts as presented in his book for our consideration.

Tomorrow we will a new book recap.

My Church Is Very Sick: Four Responses

“Rarely does a church move from the category of “symptoms of sickness” to “very sick” overnight. And if the church waits till it is very sick, it is extremely difficult to get better.”
“So what are some indicators that a church is very sick?

  • Significant numerical decline over the past ten to twenty years.
  • Prolonged times of apathy, often times of intense conflict.
  • The church is not known in the community.
  • New members are rare.
  • Revolving door pastors frustration and conflict limit the pastoral tenure.
  • The “good old days” syndrome are typically twenty years past.
  • We’ve always done it this way so why change.

He says, “sadly it is rare to a very sick church reverse its course.”

Four Responses

  1. The church must confess its dire need. They refuse to acknowledge their condition.
  2. The church must pray for wisdom and strength to do whatever is necessary.
  3. The church must be willing to change radically.
  4. The change must lead to action and an outward focus.

The question becomes what will a church do and what is it willing to do?

Bible Study April 19

April 19, 2023

Today we conclude our reading in 1st Samuel reading chapters 28 to 31 and Psalms 18.  

Chapter 28 –

Saul was in a bad place as the Philistines had gathered to go to war against Israel. He was afraid. The Lord had departed him so he seeks out a medium for direction which God had clearly prohibited. Saul disguises himself and seeks a medium because he had put all of them out of the country. She brings up Samuel at Saul’s request and when he hears what Samuel has to say he falls flat on his face. Tomorrow you and your sons will be with me.

Chapter 29 –

Saul’s fate and that of his sons and his army’s fate had been sealed by God. The leaders of the Philistine commanders question Achish why David is with them fearing he will turn on them in battle against Saul. The decision is made to send David and his six-hundred man away.

Chapter 30 –

They return to Ziklag where they find tragedy has struck. There was nothing but smoke because the Amalekites had ravaged the city and taken David’s wives into captivity.  David finds divine intervention and seeks out the Amalekites. On his journey they find a young Egyptian who was left behind because he was sick. He leads David to the Amalekites who are defeated by David’s army and his wives are taken back. The plunder is divided among the four hundred who went to battle and the two hundred who guarded the supplies.

Chapter 31 –

The battle that Samuel had prophesied took place on Mount Gilboa. Saul’s sons are killed and to avoid being tortured he commands his sword bearer to kill – he reuses and Saul falls on his sword as does his sword bearer. The Philistines could not torture nor mock Saul, they behead him and take his body the bodies of his three sons and put them on display. Just Saul could have enjoyed God’s blessing if he was imply obedient. Several men of the Ammonites rescue the bodies and dispose of them properly.

Psalm 18 –

David wrote Psalm 18 to express his gratitude to God for delivering him from the grasp of his enemies, including King Saul. This Psalm is also found in 2 Samuel 22.

God is faithful, righteous, blameless, and pure. He is also shred and humbles those who are disobedient.  

Autopsy of a Deceased Church Chapter 12

Chapter 12 –

Today is our twelfth installment from Thom Rainer’s Autopsy of a Deceased Church – 12 ways to Keep Yours Alive. I will share his thoughts as presented in his book for our consideration.

My Church has Symptoms of Sickness: Four Responses

“Though this book is brief, the path to get to this point must seem arduous. A lot of negative information has been communicated up to this point. There is no magical, easy fix solutions.”

He concludes his book with “twelve responses which are not a recipe to create or repair the perfect church. To the contrary they are more of a cry to God to intervene and create a willingness on the part of the church members to be obedient.”

“What are the symptoms of sickness?”

  • They are likely to have shown decline over the past five years. Many leaders quit looking at the numbers when they begin to decline. When numbers are ignored, they tend to get worse.
  • The ministries and the programs for these churches tend to be shifting more and more for members of the congregation rather than those outside. They are moving to an inward focus.
  • There is no disciple-making taking place.
  • Finally, the church has a lot of program and ministry clutter.

He offers these four responses they are not quick fix solutions.

  1. Pray that God will open the eyes of the leadership and members for opportunities to reach the community where the church is located.
  2. Take an honest audit of how church members spend their time being involved.
  3. Take an audit of how the church spends its money.
  4. Make specific plans to minister and evangelize your community.

Prayer

Lord, let me see my church with honesty and open eyes. Help me grasp where we have gotten out of balance with inward and outward ministries. And give our church a vision to make a difference in our community. Even more, God, use me to be a catalyst and instrument for changes that must take place in our church.

Questions –

  1. There are four symptoms of sickness listed does Asbury show any of those signs. Why or why not?
  2. Summarize the four responses for churches that are showing signs of sickness. What responses could be added to these four?
  3. What is the context of Acts 1:8? How can it be applicable and relevant to churches today with signs of sickness?

Bible Study April 18

April 18, 2023

In case you are seeing this for the first time we are reading through the Bible in a year and I am adding notes for you to consider as you join us.

Today we are back in the Psalms reading from 17, 35, 54, and 63. As we read these think about two things: David is not afraid to reason with God when he wants something, secondly are we the same way? We know when we pray and ask God for something he will not give us anything that would be a detriment to us. He wants us to seek Him and ask Him for things in our life.

Chapter 17 –

David petitions God to hear and respond to his prayer for vindication, for his lips were free of deceit, he had no unaddressed sin in his life. He is confident no bit of sin can keep God from answering his prayer.

He desires to reveal his faithful love to Him and show Himself to be the true savior of all who seek Him. David is confident in God although the wicked continue to reap benefits in the world.

Chapter 35 –

Oppose my opponents…fight those who fight me. David’s prayer is one of intervention against his enemies. He hopes they will be caught in the very net that they hid from him. He laments over those who repay his kindness toward them with evil. He urges God to prevent the triumph of his foes who hated him without cause.

You saw it, Lord…do not be silent. David calls on Him to be his vindicator which he expects from God. We should follow this example then give the Lord praise for His salvation.

Chapter 54 –

This psalm is about the time David was hiding in the Judean wilderness of Ziph. He pleads for deliverance from the Ziphites who had found him and reported it to Saul. He pleads for his deliverance from strangers and violent men who sought to kill him without provocation.  David expresses confidence that the Lord is his helper and the source of his life who will guide him. He concludes this Psalm by affirming his commitment to praise his God who recued [him] from every trouble, he truly knew the goodness of God.

Chapter 63 –

His experience in the dry, desolate wilderness without water prompts David to consider his thirst. That is the thirst of his soul. Although he is in the wilderness he finds satisfaction for his soul through joy, comfort, and praising his Lord. Better than life is the faithful love of God who cares for those who fear Him.

David has disciplined himself to meditate on the Lord rather than his problems. He knows God is his helper at all times. Although he is hunted and chased from his throne, he knows his enemies will be defeated. A good message for us today.

Autopsy of a Deceased Church Chapter 11

Chapter 11 –

Today is our eleventh installment from Thom Rainer’s Autopsy of a Deceased Church – 12 ways to Keep Yours Alive. I will share his thoughts as presented in his book for our consideration.

“The Church Obsessed Over the Facilities”

That is the title of chapter eleven. He discusses a visit to one facility and walked through the church with a guide, the church had long been closed just nothing was done with the building.

The story goes his guide took him through the church and they came to one particular room called the “Lydia Room.” “The room is equivalent of a parlor or brides room in other churches. He said there was great pride in this room, it had the nicest furniture. It got the first attention before anything else in the church.”

He continued writes Rainer with his sad and typical story. The room would become the focus of dissention. Who could use the room? Who decided what furniture went in there? Could people outside the church use it? Could a normal church fellowship use it? He said the church split over one room.”

“Church fights have erupted over stained glass windows, pews, draperies, paint color, carpet color and on and on and on.” Sad but it’s true I have seen it.

“Being a good steward is one thing being obsessed is idolatry.” “And that church that has lost her eternal focus is one step closer to a dying church.

Prayer

Lord, teach me the proper stewardship of all the material items You give me personally and to my church. Help me never let the stewardship evolve into obsession or idolatry, especially where I lost my perspective on what really matters.

Questions –

  1. Explain the difference between a church being a good steward over physical things versus the church becoming obsessed and idolatrous about them. What are some examples of each?
  2. Why do so many churches have conflicts over “things?”
    3. Look at Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:19-21 and explain how they apply to a church either thriving or dying. What are examples of how churches can be obedient to his words?

Bible Study April 17

April 17, 2023

From chapters 25 through 27 we see three primary highlights: David marries Abigail, he once again spars the life of Saul and well among of people the Philistines for 16 months.

 Chapter 25 –

Samuel dies and Israel is in lament over his death. He anointed Saul as the fist king, now he is gone. David goes to Maon where Nabal lives but he is a harsh man. However Nabal has a beautiful wife who is intelligent. Nabal refuses to feed the men of David so he decides he is going to slaughter Nabal for his actions. Abigail his wife intercedes brings David a large offering of provisions for his men. As far as David was concerned, she was worth her weight in gold.

Her discernment saves her household but Nabal ultimately dies as result of a stroke of heart attack as his heart turns to stone. When David heard of Nabal’s death he took Abigail as his wife who also had another wife. Polygamy is never the choice of God and David and his family would suffer from these relationships in the future that would bring much grief.

Chapter 26 –

Despite his earlier repentance Saul sought to kill David once again but David finds him and approaches his camp by night. He finds Saul and got so close to them that he could see the place where Saul and Abner…the commander of his army, were lying down. David got the idea to sneak up on them and Abishai goes with him. Rather than kill him he takes his sword and water jug, Saul once again is humiliated by David. Saul promises to not pursue David anymore but David has heard that line before. David goes on his way Saul returns home. There is no further commentary on any additional pursuits of Saul but we will see Saul does not turn back to the Lord.

Chapter 27 –

Saul was convinced he was not safe from Saul so he goes and dwells with the Philistines. David made Ziklag his home and carried out raids from that location over the next sixteen months. This included his bitter foe the Amalekites. David made sure no one survived these raids killing everyone and taking their cattle and livestock.

Bible Study April 16

April 16, 2023

We begin our week in the book of Psalms reading from chapters 56, 120, and 140 to 142.

Chapter 56 –

According to this Psalm David wrote it when the Philistines seized him in Gath when he was fleeing Saul. David calls on God to be gracious in light of his adversaries who trample (him) all day. When I am afraid, I will trust you…What can mere mortals do to me? David was confident God knew all about the emotional turmoil he was facing, God is always aware of our suffering. He again expresses praise and trust in God.

Chapter 120 –

The psalmist pleads with God to rescue him from those who sought to destroy him with their lying and deceit. God’s judgement would be like a warrior’s sharp arrows with burning charcoal.

Chapter 140 –

David appeals to God to protect him from evil men who are stirring up trouble for him. No matter what the wicked did to David he continually declares his trust in the strong Savior. He knew God was his shield…on the day of battle. He asks the plans of the evildoers to have their plans backfire on them. God will intervene in the case of the downtrodden.

Chapter 141 –

David petitions with urgency and desperation asking God to hurry to his aid. He prayed and did not consider this anything more than an act of worship. He did not want to be lured into sin by the delicacies of the wicked. David welcomes the rebuke of the wicked he hoped God would judge the wicked in light of how they treated people. He asks that God would protect him from death and let his enemies fall into their own nets.

Chapter 142 –

He declares in this Psalm his need for God in the midst of desperate circumstances. Whether David was actually alone he felt alone. No one stands up for me…no one cares about me. He needed the refuge only God could provide. He pleads with God because he is weak and his enemies are strong. He asks God to free him from the prison of his circumstances.

Discipleship Class

Discipleship Class

We are starting a Discipleship class a t Asbury United Methodist Church on Monday May 1st @ 7:00 PM.

We are going to look at what it is to be a disciple of Jesus. During our journey we will look at many things that will help us as we grow in our life as a believer and follower of Jesus Chrsit.

We never grow to old to learn and this will give us an opportunity to see more about the scriptures, more about Jesus, more about loving and caring for one another, but most of all it will help us find a path to grow into the image of Jesus.

WE will be sharing and hopefully answering your questions. We would love to have you join us.

Bible Study April 15, 2023

April 15, 2023

For Saturday we read five Psalms of David they are 5, 27, 31, 34, and 52.

Psalm 7 –

David prays that God will deliver him from his pursuers. He was willing to be chastised for what he did wrong. David affirms that God does not only judge human actions but also examines the thoughts and emotions. God is ready like a warrior to judge anyone who does not repent. He then thanks God for doing what is right because He is righteous.

Psalm 27 –

David affirms the Lord as the source of his confidence. He says I have asked one thing of the Lord to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. He appeals to God to be gracious he wants nothing more than to seek the face of God. Wait for the Lord be strong and let your heart be courageous.

Psalm 31 –

David appeals to God for deliverance from oppression. He describes God as his rock of refuge and a mountain fortress. He expresses his hatred for the worship of worthless idols. In spite of his desperate circumstances, David trusts the God will rescue him. He knew every aspect of his life was in God’s hands. David tells the rest of his fellow worshippers to love God, be strong and courageous, and put their hope in Him.

Psalm 34 –

David vows to praise the Lord – not only when things are well – but at all times. David reveals that he sought God in the midst of his trials and God delivered him. And God had saved him. He extends an invitation to taste and see that the Lord is good. The righteous have many adversities. In fact, you haven’t seen trouble until you become a Christian. But through it all He protects His people. He concludes Psalm 34 with these words “Those who hate the righteous will be punished.”

Psalm 52 –

This Psalm was written after Doeg reported that he had found David who was helped by the priest Ahimelech who Saul had murdered. David contrasts Doeg whose behavior is wicked with that of God who demonstrates faithful love. David is certain that God will judge the wicked, including Doeg with eternal damnation. Not only will God execute justice against the wicked, but He will also vindicate the righteous. In light of God’s faithful love David offers praise.

Autopsy of a Deceased Church Chapter 10

Chapter 10 –

Today is our tenth installment from Thom Rainer’s Autopsy of a Deceased Church – 12 ways to Keep Yours Alive. I will share his thoughts as presented in his book for our consideration.

“The Church Had No Clear Purpose”

I believe we have a purpose but I feel we must pursue it more diligently. There is no doubt that everyone wants the church to grow but everyone is on board to accomplish it. If you cannot get out to get into the community, can you pray and lift those involved in getting out there?

Thom Rainer tells the story of the 1980 US Olympic Hockey team. He writes their mission ws to “play for the United States.” It may have been the greatest moment in US history.

He talks about churches who are dying or are dead did not know their purpose. Here are some comments left by those in a dead church:

  • “We were going through the motions.”
  • “Everything we did seemed to be like we were in a rut or bad routine.”
  • We became more attached to our ways of doing church than we did asking the Lord what He wanted.
  • “We were playing the game called church. We had no idea what we were really doing.”
  • We stopped asking what we should be doing for fear it would require too much effort or change.”

The church was not a church it was simply going through the motions. It had no purpose. “None of the members asked what they should be doing.”

Philippians 1:3-5 tells us our purpose. They knew what to do they were to live the Gospel, proclaim the Gospel, partner in the Gospel in other words everything they did was Gospel centered.

Prayer

God, reignite the hearts of our church members, including me, to have a passion for the gospel. Teach our church to share the Gospel with others. Teach is to live as men and women who are true bearers of the good news of Jesus Christ. Remind us of our purpose. Convict us of our purpose. Empower us to live our purpose.

Questions –

  1. Explain the need for dying churches to regain their purpose.
  2. How can routine and tradition get in the way of a church fulfilling her purpose?
  3. What did Paul mean in Philippians 1:3-5 when he thanked the church for her partnership in the gospel?