In the Salvation Army we like to praise God for his many
blessings, and it is right that we should. We are thankful and acknowledge that
if our corps (local congregations) are growing, if our soldiers (church members) are on fire for
Jesus and filled with the Holy Spirit – that it is the work of God, his gift and blessing to us.
But…
If the corps attendance is not increasing, it is (obviously) the fault and failure of the officers (pastors).
It could be that God is working out some vast eternal plan that does not include numerical growth at this time. But no. Just ignore those pesky verses (like Job 1. 21) that suggest that the Lord gives and takes away.
It could be that churches everywhere, of almost all Christian denominations are struggling with declining attendance, and despite the prayers and efforts of the officers, numerical growth remains elusive…
But yeah, let’s just blame the officers. That’s easier.
But…
If the corps attendance is not increasing, it is (obviously) the fault and failure of the officers (pastors).
It could be that God is working out some vast eternal plan that does not include numerical growth at this time. But no. Just ignore those pesky verses (like Job 1. 21) that suggest that the Lord gives and takes away.
It could be that churches everywhere, of almost all Christian denominations are struggling with declining attendance, and despite the prayers and efforts of the officers, numerical growth remains elusive…
But yeah, let’s just blame the officers. That’s easier.
👍
ReplyDelete