Category Archives: Church Issues

How do you know when your church is struggling?

Posted on July 13, 2009 by Tim Farley

Sam Rainer, co-author of Essential Church?, has written an article for Outreach.  In the article, Rainer discusses signs that point to a struggling local church.  Here is what he writes: Over 90% of churches are declining or growing less than … Continue reading →

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Do Patriotic Songs Belong in Church Worship Services?

Posted on July 1, 2009 by Tim Farley

The 4th of July holiday is quickly approaching.  For many of us, that means picnics, fireworks and looking forward to singing some great patriotic songs in church on Sunday morning. Does your church do this?  If so, you may also repeat … Continue reading →

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Would you leave your church because of the music?

Posted on June 29, 2009 by Tim Farley

I am still reading through Essential Church?, which I have posted on previously.  In the book, the authors say that despite the attention that worship style gets, people do not tend to leave (or stay) based on music.  If the authors are … Continue reading →

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Are Americans Exploring New Ways of Experiencing God?

Posted on June 13, 2009 by Tim Farley

How do you experience God?  According to the Barna Group, Americans’ attitudes towards this area of their lives are changing.  In a poll of over 1000 people, here is what the data shows that people think about their faith: ∆ … Continue reading →

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Interesting Stats about Church Dropouts

Posted on June 10, 2009 by Tim Farley

This is my second post concerning the book Essential Church? by Thom and Sam Rainer.  You can find the first post here if you would like to read it. The Rainers tell us in the introduction to the book that … Continue reading →

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Why should anyone go to your church?

Posted on June 1, 2009 by Tim Farley

I have just started to read a new book by Thom and Sam Rainer.  The title of the book is Essential Church? and even after only reading the introduction, I am already convinced this is going to be a book … Continue reading →

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A Church Without Discipline Will Soon Cease To Be A Church

Posted on May 28, 2009 by Tim Farley

In 1554 John Calvin wrote these words to another pastor: I congratulate you on the tranquility of your churches, but it is greatly to be regretted that you do not possess, along with it, the sinews of discipline so necessary … Continue reading →

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Should Churches Discipline Members for Repeat Sins?

Posted on May 27, 2009 by Tim Farley

I plan to write a post concerning church discipline, but want to get your response to the question below first.  Please answer the poll and leave your comments if you desire.  Check back in a day or two for my … Continue reading →

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Some are willing to pay for “de-baptism”

Posted on April 13, 2009 by Tim Farley

Imagine if you were baptized as an infant, but then decided you wanted nothing to do with Christianity as you became older.  Or, perhaps you became so angry at some of the things the Church was saying and/or doing that … Continue reading →

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If we’re so unique, why do we all look and act the same?

Posted on February 21, 2009 by Tim Farley

How many churches have you either been a regular attender of or had the opportunity to visit in your life?  How much difference was there between the churches?  How much real difference was there?  I mean, I know some churches … Continue reading →

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