An old (new) way of presenting God's message...

[EternalRelationship]

Just before I present my question I would like to give a bit of background. First, I am not a pastor nor has God called me at this time to be so. Of all the places to present this question/suggestion I figured this would be the best place. I have been a P.K. (Pastor's Kid) for my early years as a child and have always had a connection with evangelical/baptist/southern baptist churches. I have been to ALOT of churches and always wondered where the style of speaking to the congregation comes from. Biblicaly, it appears, when Jesus is speaking that it is a teaching AND learning time. As a child I grew in the Lord as I was able to immediately ask questions as God's Word was being presented thereby providing a great opportunity to discuss the Truth. As I eased into my later teen years and on into adult hood I now had a totally different way of being presented with God's Word. ----> .

That's right, the Pastor speaks from the pulpit and then we sing a few songs, pray, and get sent on our merry way. Would it not be more helpful for spiritual growth, not to mention closer to Jesus way of teaching, to have it more of an open time? The pastor still has the message as God has given him but as it is being spoken we can ask questions, gain a deeper understanding, and in this way the pastor will gain a better connection with the congregation as well. A continual growth for the church as a whole and a deeper connection with God. Please let me know your thoughts on this.

 

[ghs1994]

i guess that should be what sunday school is for - small group discussion. only i don't know many churches that discuss what the pastor taught on after the worship service.

in the church i attend, our sunday school class is like a small church to me. we seem to get along pretty well we seem to discuss things relatively well when the occasion calls for it.

we have some very able adult sunday school teachers who are good discussion leaders.

i do understand what you are saying. there probably are smaller churches that are a little more like that, but to teach a large congregation and having discussion in that service i think can be an overwhelming task.

adult sunday school can be a great asset to a larger congregational church as long as you have good teachers teaching sound doctrine.

good topic !!!!!!

 

[EternalRelationship]

Isn't it true that there are people in large churches that become lost or attend less because of a loss of connection with the body of Christ? So why not have church in small groups? Yes it would be amazing to worship as a whole but I think we as Christians would benefit from a more intimate teaching atmosphere. Or why not a balance of the two? Have the pastor speak on what God has laid on his heart and then break into groups to talk about it and learn from others' experiences. Would this not encourage more growth and connection within the body of Christ?

 

[ghs1994]

Isn't it true that there are people in large churches that become lost or attend less because of a loss of connection with the body of Christ?

i've heard of that happening. it could possibly be part of it, but probably not the majority. if people are disconnected - generally they aren't putting forth effort or the church doesn't teach solid doctrine. larger churches generally are "seeker sensitive", which means those who are seeking a deeper fellowship with God will have to find a class that suits them if they want to go to a larger church. good teachers are also key.

finding a good fit can be tough.

So why not have church in small groups?

it depends on the church. most churches want a corporate worship service and then your sunday school classes, which are the smaller groups your talking about. some teachers may want to discuss what was taught in the corporate worship service and some may want to discuss other things.

Yes it would be amazing to worship as a whole but I think we as Christians would benefit from a more intimate teaching atmosphere. Or why not a balance of the two?

i think most churches have that now. the corporate service and the sunday school service. a worship service probably shouldn't be about individual benefits, although we will benefit - it should always be about worship and glory of God however it is each of our churches worship Him from a biblically sound doctrine and in an orderly fashion.

 

[EternalRelationship]

i've heard of that happening. it could possibly be part of it, but probably not the majority. if people are disconnected - generally they aren't putting forth effort or the church doesn't teach solid doctrine. larger churches generally are "seeker sensitive", which means those who are seeking a deeper fellowship with God will have to find a class that suits them if they want to go to a larger church. good teachers are also key.

That sounds more like an inward focused church. Good doctrine and well learned teachers. Don't get me wrong, those are all well and good but isn't the point not only to nourish current believers but to reach out to those in need? The church should be a place where our immediate response to a newcomer should be welcoming and fellowship, not "let's wait and see what they choose". Even the most respected, knowledgeable Christian should be connected with, not wait till he makes the first move.

i think most churches have that now. the corporate service and the sunday school service. a worship service probably shouldn't be about individual benefits, although we will benefit - it should always be about worship and glory of God however it is each of our churches worship Him from a biblically sound doctrine and in an orderly fashion.

Preach the truth (doctrine) and if they don't like it tough... hmm what about the "How? Why? What does this all mean?" While we come together to worship, it has also become a time to spend in God's Word, learning and gaining understanding. I am not looking to benefit on a selfish level, but I am looking to have a better connection with fellow believers and God. Wouldn't that be the best worship of all? To communicate with God instead of a sermon and go home to lunch? I think so!

 

[vespasia]

Some pastors may preach but a pastor is one who cares for the 'sheep', pastoral theology and care is far wider and deeper than 'just' preaching. A person who is a inspired and inspiring preacher may well be very poor at pastoral care. A few are competant to preach and care.

Those who are called to care for the sheep do just as they are called to do, they care for the sheep in the way He asks them usng the skills and talents He has given them to fulfil the calling He asks.Teaching may need to be differantiated so that those who need milk are given milk and those who are baby eaglets get fed raw meat to wrestle with.There are those who are happy to come each Sunday and be spoon fed and not engage in reflection upon what they have heard. I care for those at either end of the churches margins, those who are impaired to such an extent even the simplest gospel is hard to understand and for those whose intellects need to swim not merely in the gospels but the canon of scripture whilst drawing from other archieval sources.

Each group within a church and each church has differing dynamics and differing needs. The skill is to identify and meet these needs . For one church preaching followed by pleanery may be the best option for growth. In another a lack of skilled small group leaders may necessitate preaching form the front and examine in small house groups/small groups thourgh out the week based on a teaching plan provided by the preacher to enable deeper understanding of the material taught.

As most who do not know Christ come to church on the invitation of a friend perhaps the needs of those outside the church could be addressed in teaching on sharing the gospel graciously with those who need to hear.