No Bibles in Churches?

[Paula]

. . .I've heard the excuse that "they put it up on the screen so you don't need your Bible" and I think that is just silly. As far as "it cuts back on expenses", maybe those churches should consider not paying hundreds and thousands of dollars for pretty stained glass windows and all the other little things that aren't necessary but are just for decoration.

It just makes me sad to imagine what God is thinking as He looks down on this

. . . I agree 100%, how can it possibly be a bad thing if they go missing?

I guess I'd better clarify my earlier post which I wrote rather hastily. Churches with large congregations like my own (I'm talking in the thousands here!), very often have multiple services. We have five, two on Saturday, three on Sunday, and even more on Christmas, Easter and special occasions. So with all the foot traffic, it's impossible to keep the pews stocked with Bibles all the time. We don't even use hymnals anymore. Thanks to computer technology, anything in print is now on the big screen in front. This makes it nice for walk-ins who may not have a Bible, those who have forgotten to bring theirs, or who may not be familiar with new modern hymns and who may fumble with the words. So everyone feels welcome and included in this way. (Most of us regular attenders still prefer to bring our own Bibles and notepads though).

Whats really nice is how our Pastor requests newcomers to raise their hands so ushers can give them their introductory "Welcome Kit." They can also sign the new visitor card if they need prayer or follow-up, but it isn't required or forced on anyone. First-time visitors can also request a Bible (free of charge) if they don't already have one. There is also a Book Store where Bibles are sold at cost in case someone needs a replacement.

Although we're not big on "stain glass windows", we do have many outreach ministries to the poor, needy, elderly, disaster relief victims, crisis shelters, a Christian Day School, etc. where Bibles are regularly distributed. So the practice hasn't been entirely eliminated, just redirected, if you will.

Recently, I did have occasion to visit a smaller church which still had Bibles and hymnals in the pews. Although I really do hate to see this wonderful practice of the past be completely abandoned, I can certainly understand how cost-effectiveness for larger congregations can be a major factor.

 

[Celticflower]

We don't even use hymnals anymore. Thanks to computer technology, anything in print is now on the big screen in front. This makes it nice for walk-ins who may not have a Bible, those who have forgotten to bring theirs, or who may not be familiar with new modern hymns and who may fumble with the words.

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"Fumble with the words"???? darling, that is the least of my worries with new songs. I need to see the NOTES!

Our church has recently gone to using a "PowerPoint" system, and I find it annoying. So often the preacher uses one or two verses as the basis of his sermon. I like to have a Bible (mine or another's) to look at the verses in context. I have noticed that people seem to be so taken with the slides shown on the system at different points in the service that they forget they are not at the movies, but in a worship service.

Technology may be all well and good, but it is also impersonal. And there comes a point when all the electronic gadgets and gizmos detract from, rather than add to, the worship. (Nothing worse than mic feedback during a time of silent prayer).

Celtie

 

[bloodofthelamb12]

You know what? Maybe we should get rid of textbooks in school, too! Or at least not have them in class! ... Sorry, but this argument is flawed, man.

And btw, I'd have to suggest that you guys take your Bibles everywhere with you. Heck, get a little one if you have to. Cuz big or little one, it's very useful to be able to pull the thing out in the middle of a debate or discussion with other people, believers or otherwise. Besides, shouldn't all of us spend a little more of our spare time with God? See ya later, guys: God bless.

 

[vibrant]

the church i grew up in didn't always have Bibles in the "pews". but, if you didn't have a Bible, you wouldn't need to go up to and ask someone to share as someone close by you lend you their Bible for the sermon. and you don't even have to be close by... they'd go out of their way to give you one.

 

[I'mHis]

My church had them when we were in our building. At the moment, we are meeting in a school (we are building a church) and setting up folding chairs every week. So I guess that is why we don't have them right now. I'm pretty sure we will once we are in our building.