Well someone has to ask the question !

polkaman

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I got to thinking the other night (I should stop thinking). I come up with a question that
is a bit off the wall.
There are folks out there that don't want to come to church, for one reason or another,
or can't, and don't have a relationship with a church.
They may be open to religion, but as above, there is a reason.
What would happen if a ministry was started to reach these people.
They could either get a sermon via a cd sent to them, or via the internet.
now is where we start to take a walk on the wild side.
we could also send them a bible.
then, when/if we sent the sermons, or we would go all internet,
we could send the new juice and wafer in a sealed unit, to the person.
and they could take it in the comfort of their home.
and to go one step further, they could anoint with oil, by oil
sent to them in a little packet or vial.

just thinking out loud
 

redleghunter

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I got to thinking the other night (I should stop thinking). I come up with a question that
is a bit off the wall.
There are folks out there that don't want to come to church, for one reason or another,
or can't, and don't have a relationship with a church.
They may be open to religion, but as above, there is a reason.
What would happen if a ministry was started to reach these people.
They could either get a sermon via a cd sent to them, or via the internet.
now is where we start to take a walk on the wild side.
we could also send them a bible.
then, when/if we sent the sermons, or we would go all internet,
we could send the new juice and wafer in a sealed unit, to the person.
and they could take it in the comfort of their home.
and to go one step further, they could anoint with oil, by oil
sent to them in a little packet or vial.

just thinking out loud

Great ideas. Everyone has their reasons among the unchurched. Shut ins due to physical or mental restrictions totally understandable. The church should come to them. Of such brethren they need to be ministered to.

For the able of body and mind we have no excuse. I was unchurched for quite a few years so know something of the isolation. Coming to places like this really helped connect, but can't replace in person church fellowship. That's the key...finding a loving, teaching church with a zeal for fellowship outside of just stuffing a pew.

So I want to help you reach the brethren missing this fellowship and help them find a "home."

For me, I woke up early one Sunday pulled out a button down shirt and slacks and good shoes. I went to a place I extensively researched other than dress code. I was greeted by an elder who was wearing cargo shorts and sandals. Lol I was a bit overdressed. Moral of the story, I had to make that first move.

I'd like to assist in your efforts as I've "been there."

My church is an Evangelical Bible church. They stream on Facebook every Sunday three times a day the service. For those serious about getting an online start like that just PM me and I can link the page.

Also if anyone is interested in how I researched before showing up I can help with that too. If one is of an Evangelical Bible Church type flavor I can also assist in helping to find a local church if desired.

This is part of my partnership ministry with my church as we have a lot of transient military (I'm retired military) city and we always have folks asking to help find another church like our own somewhere at another military area.

So please count me in.

God Bless you for posting this. I might add moving this thread to Exploring Christianity might be more helpful for seekers to find.
 
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Radagast

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There are folks out there that don't want to come to church, for one reason or another,
or can't, and don't have a relationship with a church.
They may be open to religion, but as above, there is a reason.
What would happen if a ministry was started to reach these people.

Ummm... it's called "evangelism." There should be more of it.

In terms of Bibles, the Gideons do that: Gideons International - Wikipedia

we could send the new juice and wafer in a sealed unit, to the person.
and they could take it in the comfort of their home.

Most denominations would consider it inappropriate to do that for non-members.

For members who can't physically attend church, there are generally processes for taking communion to them.
 
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inquiring mind

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I got to thinking the other night (I should stop thinking). I come up with a question that
is a bit off the wall.
There are folks out there that don't want to come to church, for one reason or another,
or can't, and don't have a relationship with a church.
They may be open to religion, but as above, there is a reason.
What would happen if a ministry was started to reach these people.
They could either get a sermon via a cd sent to them, or via the internet.
now is where we start to take a walk on the wild side.
we could also send them a bible.
then, when/if we sent the sermons, or we would go all internet,
we could send the new juice and wafer in a sealed unit, to the person.
and they could take it in the comfort of their home.
and to go one step further, they could anoint with oil, by oil
sent to them in a little packet or vial.

just thinking out loud

It seems to me, based solely on my own past habits, that it’s so easy to build up a resistance to attending church. We come up with all kinds of reasons: the pastor, the people, the lighting, the dress code, the kind of music played, you name it. We continue to stay away, week after week – month after month – year after year, all the while building on our resistance and convincing ourselves of the terrible experience we would have if we go. This builds up in us until once we do attend, for whatever reason that may eventually get us there, we do feel like a fish out of water. But, if we’d keep trying we might just find that the uncomfortable congregation was a whole lot our own doing. I agree with redleghunter concerning the church reaching out to shut-ins due to physical or mental restrictions. Even the able bodied lost need to be ministered to, whether it is in person or via Internet, but in my opinion it will not replace the joy and benefits of in-person church fellowship for the long-term. Your spirit of evangelism and reaching out is to be commended, but I would certainly emphasize the importance and positives of church fellowship.
 
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SkyWriting

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I got to thinking the other night (I should stop thinking). I come up with a question that
is a bit off the wall.
There are folks out there that don't want to come to church, for one reason or another,
or can't, and don't have a relationship with a church.
They may be open to religion, but as above, there is a reason.
What would happen if a ministry was started to reach these people.
They could either get a sermon via a cd sent to them, or via the internet.
now is where we start to take a walk on the wild side.
we could also send them a bible.
then, when/if we sent the sermons, or we would go all internet,
we could send the new juice and wafer in a sealed unit, to the person.
and they could take it in the comfort of their home.
and to go one step further, they could anoint with oil, by oil
sent to them in a little packet or vial.

just thinking out loud


McDonald's has delivery now.

Amazon has 2 hour delivery in my city.
 
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Tolworth John

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There are folks out there that don't want to come to church, for one reason or another,
or can't, and don't have a relationship with a church.
They may be open to religion, but as above, there is a reason.
What would happen if a ministry was started to reach these people.

Or one could just invite them to a 'bible study at a home.
Where over tea+coffee a bible passage is talked about and applied to everyday life. A time of pray could be had or a time for singing if appropriate.
 
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Dave-W

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What would happen if a ministry was started to reach these people.
They could either get a sermon via a cd sent to them, or via the internet.
now is where we start to take a walk on the wild side.
we could also send them a bible.
then, when/if we sent the sermons, or we would go all internet,
How does that fulfill the command to "assemble yourselves together?" Or to be submitted to pastoral oversight?
 
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ViaCrucis

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I got to thinking the other night (I should stop thinking). I come up with a question that
is a bit off the wall.
There are folks out there that don't want to come to church, for one reason or another,
or can't, and don't have a relationship with a church.
They may be open to religion, but as above, there is a reason.
What would happen if a ministry was started to reach these people.
They could either get a sermon via a cd sent to them, or via the internet.
now is where we start to take a walk on the wild side.
we could also send them a bible.
then, when/if we sent the sermons, or we would go all internet,
we could send the new juice and wafer in a sealed unit, to the person.
and they could take it in the comfort of their home.
and to go one step further, they could anoint with oil, by oil
sent to them in a little packet or vial.

just thinking out loud

Churches with members who are unable to attend church usually are taken care of by the community. They receive the Eucharist from their pastor who brings it to them for example. Many churches have taken up recording the service, or at least just the sermon, either on video or audio, and this is also brought to members who are unable to attend church. For sick church members Holy Unction already exists, pastors make home or hospital visits to pray with and anoint the sick with oil as per biblical teaching and historic Christian practice.

It wouldn't be appropriate to do most of these things with non church members; either because they might be members of another church, or because they aren't wanted, or they aren't believers to begin with.

For those who aren't Christians, we bring the good news of Jesus and let the Holy Spirit bring them into the Church. The converted should attend if they are able, if there are reasons why they cannot attend, then we find ways to, in a sense, bring church to them--such as mentioned above.

At the end of the day the Church is a community, and being a Christian means being part of the Church; and so even if a person cannot attend church, there are already well established means of ministering to them with Christ's Word and Sacraments through which they are still part of the community and in communion with the Church.

I don't think "internet ministries" or the like satisfy the need and importance of community--watching a sermon by some random pastor on the internet simply isn't the same thing as hearing the Word in the context of Christian community.

-CryptoLutheran
 
  • Agree
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polkaman

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I want to thank all of you that give their input.
I thought i would fallow up with my thoughts. To start i'm not a "cradle christian", i'm just looking at
things now in mid life....i've lived, i've seen, and i've formed some ideas from things i've seen and
and what has happended to me.
It seem there are alot of "church people" here. Which is good and bad.......i've run into both.
I guess i'm still looking in thru the windows. There are many out here, still roaming about,
the reasons, many....that's the subject for a whole different post.
Many it sounds like they just want to make it "simple".......you just walk in the door, nothing special.
Well that's kind of like retail business, half the battle is getting them thru the door.
I've noted that "membership" is important........that their member church will take care of them.....
again, we're back to same problem, what we do with those that are not card carrying members ?
Christmas is just around the corner......"tiz the reason for the season".
We need to perhaps consider, the significance........
we later learn of the idea of "god loved us so much that he give his only son"
later, we learn, what is the most important things.........we strip off all the pomp and circumstance
to understand........
Love your lord god
Love your fellow man
I am in a rural area, and see alot of wildlife.......and perhaps we can draw some lines on animals
and humans.
when you watch a deer, or a calf, and they "find" something, the look, study it, and usually run
away, somewhat in fear...they come back later, sniff it, etc, and leave again......this goes on for
perhaps a number of days, untill they come to "accept" it, and then go on.
I think this is the way many folks are......."churched" and "unchurched"......it is a slow process
and they must come at their own pace, and must be offered "manna" to help come along the
way.
I guess i view it as, what "harm" is taking juice and bread in "rememberance of me"......and
the anoitment of the "sick"......you could be depressed or upset, and i think that the healing
power of the lord would be helpful.

I guess i am left with the idea of starting my own "church"......which would have to be indepedent
since i guess perhaps my ideals are not quite in line. Yes, alot of work, and expense...but
i'm reminded about the harvest and and workers (yes I farm).......
I guess tho my objective would be to put my church out of business........I get them to "sip the
water", and to learn of this, to help understand, and let the holy sprit help them find a place.......
if they can't, we're always here......to barrow a phrase "we'll leave the light on for you".
I think we'll have to have our own internet website, looked at a dvd burner, have priced the
"juice and crackers" units, anointment oil vials, the shipping packets, etc.
also have looked at an economical book printing place, to perhaps have a little
book to help explain, help in getting closer, and answer questions that sound funny
perhaps to you, but from outsiders, are...i suggest "chuck knows church"......
The difficult part will be responding to things or via mail.......yes old fashioned mail will
be a big part......going to have to tell the mailman he will need to clean out the back of
his jeep !!
I would be looking local/regional......then further.......because there are people in need all
over.
Thank you for your comments.....they are always welcome.....i don't have all the answer, and
not right all the time.
Thank you, and bless you
 
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jimmyjimmy

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I got to thinking the other night (I should stop thinking). I come up with a question that
is a bit off the wall.
There are folks out there that don't want to come to church, for one reason or another,
or can't, and don't have a relationship with a church.
They may be open to religion, but as above, there is a reason.
What would happen if a ministry was started to reach these people.
They could either get a sermon via a cd sent to them, or via the internet.
now is where we start to take a walk on the wild side.
we could also send them a bible.
then, when/if we sent the sermons, or we would go all internet,
we could send the new juice and wafer in a sealed unit, to the person.
and they could take it in the comfort of their home.
and to go one step further, they could anoint with oil, by oil
sent to them in a little packet or vial.

just thinking out loud

I can't begin to express my deepest disapproval of such an idea.

The Church does not work this way. God designed it as a unit - a body, to uses biblical language.

There are no examples of lone-wolf Christians in the Bible. A Christian is assumed to belong to a church.
 
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jimmyjimmy

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I want to thank all of you that give their input.
I thought i would fallow up with my thoughts. To start i'm not a "cradle christian", i'm just looking at
things now in mid life....i've lived, i've seen, and i've formed some ideas from things i've seen and
and what has happended to me.
It seem there are alot of "church people" here. Which is good and bad.......i've run into both.
I guess i'm still looking in thru the windows. There are many out here, still roaming about,
the reasons, many....that's the subject for a whole different post.
Many it sounds like they just want to make it "simple".......you just walk in the door, nothing special.
Well that's kind of like retail business, half the battle is getting them thru the door.
I've noted that "membership" is important........that their member church will take care of them.....
again, we're back to same problem, what we do with those that are not card carrying members ?
Christmas is just around the corner......"tiz the reason for the season".
We need to perhaps consider, the significance........
we later learn of the idea of "god loved us so much that he give his only son"
later, we learn, what is the most important things.........we strip off all the pomp and circumstance
to understand........
Love your lord god
Love your fellow man
I am in a rural area, and see alot of wildlife.......and perhaps we can draw some lines on animals
and humans.
when you watch a deer, or a calf, and they "find" something, the look, study it, and usually run
away, somewhat in fear...they come back later, sniff it, etc, and leave again......this goes on for
perhaps a number of days, untill they come to "accept" it, and then go on.
I think this is the way many folks are......."churched" and "unchurched"......it is a slow process
and they must come at their own pace, and must be offered "manna" to help come along the
way.
I guess i view it as, what "harm" is taking juice and bread in "rememberance of me"......and
the anoitment of the "sick"......you could be depressed or upset, and i think that the healing
power of the lord would be helpful.

I guess i am left with the idea of starting my own "church"......which would have to be indepedent
since i guess perhaps my ideals are not quite in line. Yes, alot of work, and expense...but
i'm reminded about the harvest and and workers (yes I farm).......
I guess tho my objective would be to put my church out of business........I get them to "sip the
water", and to learn of this, to help understand, and let the holy sprit help them find a place.......
if they can't, we're always here......to barrow a phrase "we'll leave the light on for you".
I think we'll have to have our own internet website, looked at a dvd burner, have priced the
"juice and crackers" units, anointment oil vials, the shipping packets, etc.
also have looked at an economical book printing place, to perhaps have a little
book to help explain, help in getting closer, and answer questions that sound funny
perhaps to you, but from outsiders, are...i suggest "chuck knows church"......
The difficult part will be responding to things or via mail.......yes old fashioned mail will
be a big part......going to have to tell the mailman he will need to clean out the back of
his jeep !!
I would be looking local/regional......then further.......because there are people in need all
over.
Thank you for your comments.....they are always welcome.....i don't have all the answer, and
not right all the time.
Thank you, and bless you

It appears that at least part of your problem is that you are trying to make goats enjoy being in the sheepfold. They won't.

Christians are made, for the most part, outside of the church and then brought into the church.
 
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Dave-W

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There are no examples of lone-wolf Christians in the Bible. A Christian is assumed to belong to a church.
As C.S. Lewis said: The Bible knows nothing of solitary religion.
 
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polkaman

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Hello. I wish to thank everyone with their comments and opinions. Many times we can learn more
via a conversation rather than a lecture.
To answer a couple of questions......the "lone wolfe" Christians. There are many independent churchs
about. There is no "oversight"...
May I remind those that the way to salvation is thru Christ alone.
the greek for church is ekklisia which, in loose terms means a gathering. There is nothing about
a specific building. I know of some "churchs" that meet in rented halls, schools, know of one
that meets in a hotel meeting room, and thereafter, many go to the café at the hotel and have
dinner together.
Yes, there is a "togetherness" factor.....but have you ever heard the most lonely place is
in a crowd ? same here. perhaps we can view it that this person is at home, but prays
reads and the like with "the group".........i'm with you in sprit not body.
This I guess would be something to help get you to a church. While we would do our best to
feed you, it would be better for interaction, and participate......but if that is not possible for
any number of reasons, we are here. While not the best, I guess you could say "better than
nothing"......The questions is, why don't the churchs do this..after all this is "their business".
it seems they are happy with where they are at and not do anymore than needed.
I have to chuckle at times at one church I attend.....they have a few active ones that try.
They do broadcast their service on the radio, which I feel good...but there things fall apart.
There is no active outreach program...the facebook site is not upkept. To me a facebook
or website is good.......case in point, no mention anywhere about Christmas service.....if
you don't have the handout, your out of the loop.
I had mentioned upgrading content but was meet with significant opposition. I had mentioned
maybe adding the prayer list........oh did I do a no-no....."that's private"......yes mam......but
you just broadcast it all over by going out on the radio broadcast.
the attitudes, in several churchs, is that if you were really interested, you would be here.
I guess what i'm looking at is something where we lead people to the water, and answering
questions along the way.....people are afraid of the unknown.......the more they learn
the more they will feel at ease. For many of you church is "second nature".........for others
it's not......and then the worst things happens, you come to your first service and 20 people
come up and want to know who you are, where you live, what you do, etc.......I know
it happened to me.....I almost didn't go back.
in my little book "prepairing for church", a working title, one little chapter is entitled
"the interrogation".
 
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