Heres the Church Heres the Steeple Open the

Here’s the Church, Here’s the Steeple, Open the Door, Where all the People?

The following statistics are adapted from a web log entitled: “The Condition of the Church in America. ” They were compiled by Andy Mc. Adams. 1. 1, 400 pastors in America leave the ministry monthly. 2. Only 15% of churches in the United States are growing and just 2. 2% of those are growing by conversion growth. 3. 10, 000 churches in America disappeared in a five-year period. 4. Only 45% of the U. S. population attends church regularly. 5. The number of people in America that do not attend church has doubled in the past 15 years. 6. The vast majority of churches have an attendance of less than 75. 7. Just 1/3 of church attendees believe that they have a personal responsibility to share their faith with others.

Unless a church is experiencing conversion growth, unless people are hearing the gospel and leaving the world to unite with the body of Christ, that church is not fulfilling its mission.

Acts 2: 41 41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day— about 3, 000 in all.

Without God we can’t; without us He won’t.

God blesses those that authenticate their belief with action. Acts 2: 41 -47 (NLT) 42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

What is fellowship?

42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.

Acts 42: 43 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.

We have true fellowship when we demonstrate genuine caring for each other and meet each other’s needs. ‘Koinonia’-- Fellowship means we must take action. Without God we can’t; without us He won’t.

John 13: 35 (NLT) 35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples. ”

Lone Ranger Christians

GOD USES US AS PARTNERS TO GROW THE CHURCH. Without God we can’t; without us He won’t. Are you a part of the fellowship of believers?

References More than Fellowship: Understanding Koinonia -- Dan Grubbs Energized by Multiplication – Paul Decker Reading the Map / Visualizing the Goal -- Mike Gilbert The 2006 State of the Church – Alan Carr