The Christian Discussion Thread X: Originally there were 15

[Minachia]

IIRC, their bishops recognize each other as legit and even do ordinations for each other, or something along those lines.

The raddy-traddiest fringe groups from the Catholics and Orthodox also do that, and no one's claiming that they are heading for a merger.

I just looked it up on Wikipedia, the ELCA and the ECUSA established full communion with one another in 2000. They "recognize the validity of each other's baptisms and ordinations," and "The agreement provided that the ELCA would accept the historical episcopate and the "threefold ministry" of Bishop - Priest (or Pastor) - Deacon with respect to ministers of communicant churches serving ELCA congregations."

[Camelone]

So I don’t know what responses I’ll get with this question but I’ll ask it anyways. What are ways to grow your parishes and local church communities? I’ve been struggling with this and was hoping for some advice from you all.

[Aeritai]

So I don’t know what responses I’ll get with this question but I’ll ask it anyways. What are ways to grow your parishes and local church communities? I’ve been struggling with this and was hoping for some advice from you all.

My best advice is to spread your church through social media like facebook.

[Napkizemlja]

Speaking of politics do you guys think the Republican Party have more Christian values than the Democrat Party?

Not really.

[The Union of the West]

So I don’t know what responses I’ll get with this question but I’ll ask it anyways. What are ways to grow your parishes and local church communities? I’ve been struggling with this and was hoping for some advice from you all.

I'm only a catechumen, so don't take what I'm saying too seriously, but I've been to a lot of churches. I've seen huge megachurches, I've seen tiny community churches, I've seen churches grow, and I've seen churches die. There are several factors that play into church growth.

First, I think mindset is incredibly important. The Church exists to bear the gift salvation to the world. This should be the first and only goal of church growth. To attempt to grow your church for any other reason, fame, or even worse, money, is to fall into the trap of greed, and frankly, sacrilege. In my experience this is the problem of megachurches. I don't intend to offend anyone with this statement, but there's a reason that the "McChurch" stereotype exists. Churches should not seek to decieve, and devout believers will see right through this deception and disingenuity.

Among the churches that aren't growing, I've noticed that they all have something in common: they aren't doing anything. They think that having a website and a social media page are enough to facilitate growth, but it isn't. We are called to go to "the ends of the earth" as witnesses, not the corners of the web and social media. Go outside. Talk to people. Be peaceful and kind and loving, as we are called to be, but be firm in your beliefs. Know what you believe in and why. Don't water down your church's teachings to attempt to appeal to people. It doesn't work; it may get you a few new members for a while, but they will drift away if you don't have a strong foundation for what you believe. Invite your friends, your family, your co-workers. In my experience, this is how churches grow. Don't fall into the trap of the Pharisees and hide this precious gift of salvation from the world. We are called to be the light of the world.

At the same time, don't be like some so-called churches we see in the media that spread hate and fear. Don't threaten people into attending with eternal punishment in Hell. Don't condemn, love, just as we are called to do.

Above all, in the words of St. Seraphim of Sarov, acquire a peaceful spirit and thousands around you will be saved. A tree is known by its fruit, and we must bear good fruit. A church that is active in the community, a church that helps people, will grow. They will know we are his disciples by our love. Love should come first in all of our actions, and this is how we spread the Gospel.

I recommend reading over the first three chapters of the Book of Revelation. It addresses a lot of the problems faced by the early church that the church is still facing today.

This reply is very wordy, and I apologize for that, but this is an issue that is close to my heart. I hope you find something helpful in here.

[Cappuccina]

Speaking of politics do you guys think the Republican Party have more Christian values than the Democrat Party?

Not really.

Agreed. Even as a non-christian, the Republicans are about as pious as a brothel.

[Salus Maior]

IIRC, their bishops recognize each other as legit and even do ordinations for each other, or something along those lines.

The raddy-traddiest fringe groups from the Catholics and Orthodox also do that, and no one's claiming that they are heading for a merger.

Catholics and Orthodox don't ordain each other.

[Benuty]

Not really.

Agreed. Even as a non-christian, the Republicans are about as pious as a brothel.

Let's be honest here both parties must be cleansed. Of course with the bubonic plague risks shooting up across California things might be heading that way. It seems the band is getting back together again.

[Diopolis]

The raddy-traddiest fringe groups from the Catholics and Orthodox also do that, and no one's claiming that they are heading for a merger.

Catholics and Orthodox don't ordain each other.

Sedes and nutjobs too extreme for old calendarists do.

[Salus Maior]

This plaque in the Catholic Cathedral in Salt Lake City, though.

[Nea Byzantia]

This plaque in the Catholic Cathedral in Salt Lake City, though.

(Image)

Too bad Pope Francis will never mention this to the Muslims...

[Napkizemlja]

Why am I only finding out about Saint Chad right now. Brb changing baptismal name.

[Salus Maior]

This plaque in the Catholic Cathedral in Salt Lake City, though.

(Image)

Too bad Pope Francis will never mention this to the Muslims...

Yes, yes. However, I think things will change in the future. The newer generation of Catholics (at least Catholics that care) are more trad, so hopefully this means a shift in position to come.

[Nea Byzantia]

Too bad Pope Francis will never mention this to the Muslims...

Yes, yes. However, I think things will change in the future. The newer generation of Catholics (at least Catholics that care) are more trad, so hopefully this means a shift in position to come.

Let us hope so.

[Nea Byzantia]

Why am I only finding out about Saint Chad right now. Brb changing baptismal name.

I was named after the Chaddest Chad of them all...

[Camelone]

So I don’t know what responses I’ll get with this question but I’ll ask it anyways. What are ways to grow your parishes and local church communities? I’ve been struggling with this and was hoping for some advice from you all.

My best advice is to spread your church through social media like facebook.

Yeah that's probably rather important in this day and age.

So I don’t know what responses I’ll get with this question but I’ll ask it anyways. What are ways to grow your parishes and local church communities? I’ve been struggling with this and was hoping for some advice from you all.

I'm only a catechumen, so don't take what I'm saying too seriously, but I've been to a lot of churches. I've seen huge megachurches, I've seen tiny community churches, I've seen churches grow, and I've seen churches die. There are several factors that play into church growth.

First, I think mindset is incredibly important. The Church exists to bear the gift salvation to the world. This should be the first and only goal of church growth. To attempt to grow your church for any other reason, fame, or even worse, money, is to fall into the trap of greed, and frankly, sacrilege. In my experience this is the problem of megachurches. I don't intend to offend anyone with this statement, but there's a reason that the "McChurch" stereotype exists. Churches should not seek to decieve, and devout believers will see right through this deception and disingenuity.

Among the churches that aren't growing, I've noticed that they all have something in common: they aren't doing anything. They think that having a website and a social media page are enough to facilitate growth, but it isn't. We are called to go to "the ends of the earth" as witnesses, not the corners of the web and social media. Go outside. Talk to people. Be peaceful and kind and loving, as we are called to be, but be firm in your beliefs. Know what you believe in and why. Don't water down your church's teachings to attempt to appeal to people. It doesn't work; it may get you a few new members for a while, but they will drift away if you don't have a strong foundation for what you believe. Invite your friends, your family, your co-workers. In my experience, this is how churches grow. Don't fall into the trap of the Pharisees and hide this precious gift of salvation from the world. We are called to be the light of the world.

At the same time, don't be like some so-called churches we see in the media that spread hate and fear. Don't threaten people into attending with eternal punishment in Hell. Don't condemn, love, just as we are called to do.

Above all, in the words of St. Seraphim of Sarov, acquire a peaceful spirit and thousands around you will be saved. A tree is known by its fruit, and we must bear good fruit. A church that is active in the community, a church that helps people, will grow. They will know we are his disciples by our love. Love should come first in all of our actions, and this is how we spread the Gospel.

I recommend reading over the first three chapters of the Book of Revelation. It addresses a lot of the problems faced by the early church that the church is still facing today.

This reply is very wordy, and I apologize for that, but this is an issue that is close to my heart. I hope you find something helpful in here.

Don't apologize for the wordiness of your post, it was absolutely fantastic and full of much needed insight thank you for that! I really do appreciate it.

[Tarsonis]

So I don’t know what responses I’ll get with this question but I’ll ask it anyways. What are ways to grow your parishes and local church communities? I’ve been struggling with this and was hoping for some advice from you all.

I'm only a catechumen, so don't take what I'm saying too seriously, but I've been to a lot of churches. I've seen huge megachurches, I've seen tiny community churches, I've seen churches grow, and I've seen churches die. There are several factors that play into church growth.

First, I think mindset is incredibly important. The Church exists to bear the gift salvation to the world. This should be the first and only goal of church growth. To attempt to grow your church for any other reason, fame, or even worse, money, is to fall into the trap of greed, and frankly, sacrilege. In my experience this is the problem of megachurches. I don't intend to offend anyone with this statement, but there's a reason that the "McChurch" stereotype exists. Churches should not seek to decieve, and devout believers will see right through this deception and disingenuity.

Among the churches that aren't growing, I've noticed that they all have something in common: they aren't doing anything. They think that having a website and a social media page are enough to facilitate growth, but it isn't. We are called to go to "the ends of the earth" as witnesses, not the corners of the web and social media. Go outside. Talk to people. Be peaceful and kind and loving, as we are called to be, but be firm in your beliefs. Know what you believe in and why. Don't water down your church's teachings to attempt to appeal to people. It doesn't work; it may get you a few new members for a while, but they will drift away if you don't have a strong foundation for what you believe. Invite your friends, your family, your co-workers. In my experience, this is how churches grow. Don't fall into the trap of the Pharisees and hide this precious gift of salvation from the world. We are called to be the light of the world.

At the same time, don't be like some so-called churches we see in the media that spread hate and fear. Don't threaten people into attending with eternal punishment in Hell. Don't condemn, love, just as we are called to do.

Above all, in the words of St. Seraphim of Sarov, acquire a peaceful spirit and thousands around you will be saved. A tree is known by its fruit, and we must bear good fruit. A church that is active in the community, a church that helps people, will grow. They will know we are his disciples by our love. Love should come first in all of our actions, and this is how we spread the Gospel.

I recommend reading over the first three chapters of the Book of Revelation. It addresses a lot of the problems faced by the early church that the church is still facing today.

This reply is very wordy, and I apologize for that, but this is an issue that is close to my heart. I hope you find something helpful in here.

Oi, welcome back old friend

[Auristania]

Speaking of politics do you guys think the Republican Party have more Christian values than the Democrat Party?

Not really.

GOP totally adore the vengeful God of Old Testament; Democrats pay lip service to the loving God of New Testament. Both factions are totally in love with the Money Lenders, so neither faction will drive the Money-lenders out of the Temple.

[Auristania]

Why am I only finding out about Saint Chad right now. Brb changing baptismal name.

7th Century Saint evangelised Lichfield. Birmingham Shrewsbury. He was an excellent saint in his own diocese, but I never heard he did anything to achieve international celebrity.

[The Union of the West]

I'm only a catechumen, so don't take what I'm saying too seriously, but I've been to a lot of churches. I've seen huge megachurches, I've seen tiny community churches, I've seen churches grow, and I've seen churches die. There are several factors that play into church growth.

First, I think mindset is incredibly important. The Church exists to bear the gift salvation to the world. This should be the first and only goal of church growth. To attempt to grow your church for any other reason, fame, or even worse, money, is to fall into the trap of greed, and frankly, sacrilege. In my experience this is the problem of megachurches. I don't intend to offend anyone with this statement, but there's a reason that the "McChurch" stereotype exists. Churches should not seek to decieve, and devout believers will see right through this deception and disingenuity.

Among the churches that aren't growing, I've noticed that they all have something in common: they aren't doing anything. They think that having a website and a social media page are enough to facilitate growth, but it isn't. We are called to go to "the ends of the earth" as witnesses, not the corners of the web and social media. Go outside. Talk to people. Be peaceful and kind and loving, as we are called to be, but be firm in your beliefs. Know what you believe in and why. Don't water down your church's teachings to attempt to appeal to people. It doesn't work; it may get you a few new members for a while, but they will drift away if you don't have a strong foundation for what you believe. Invite your friends, your family, your co-workers. In my experience, this is how churches grow. Don't fall into the trap of the Pharisees and hide this precious gift of salvation from the world. We are called to be the light of the world.

At the same time, don't be like some so-called churches we see in the media that spread hate and fear. Don't threaten people into attending with eternal punishment in Hell. Don't condemn, love, just as we are called to do.

Above all, in the words of St. Seraphim of Sarov, acquire a peaceful spirit and thousands around you will be saved. A tree is known by its fruit, and we must bear good fruit. A church that is active in the community, a church that helps people, will grow. They will know we are his disciples by our love. Love should come first in all of our actions, and this is how we spread the Gospel.

I recommend reading over the first three chapters of the Book of Revelation. It addresses a lot of the problems faced by the early church that the church is still facing today.

This reply is very wordy, and I apologize for that, but this is an issue that is close to my heart. I hope you find something helpful in here.

Oi, welcome back old friend

The prodigal son returns haha! Glad to see you’re still around!

[Northern Davincia]

Not really.

GOP totally adore the vengeful God of Old Testament; Democrats pay lip service to the loving God of New Testament. Both factions are totally in love with the Money Lenders, so neither faction will drive the Money-lenders out of the Temple.

True. What frustrates me is the perception that God is somehow different between testaments.

[Tarsonis]

GOP totally adore the vengeful God of Old Testament; Democrats pay lip service to the loving God of New Testament. Both factions are totally in love with the Money Lenders, so neither faction will drive the Money-lenders out of the Temple.

True. What frustrates me is the perception that God is somehow different between testaments.

Modern Marcionism

[The Union of the West]

True. What frustrates me is the perception that God is somehow different between testaments.

Modern Marcionism

There seems to be a noticeable trend in the last couple centuries of ancient heresies popping back up and taking on modern forms.

[Nea Byzantia]

Modern Marcionism

There seems to be a noticeable trend in the last couple centuries of ancient heresies popping back up and taking on modern forms.

That's what happens to a Society when they reject Christ and His Church...They begin to serve the Passions and the Demonic Principalities behind them.

[Northern Davincia]

Modern Marcionism

There seems to be a noticeable trend in the last couple centuries of ancient heresies popping back up and taking on modern forms.

I blame Protestantism.