Two more pastors join the Why Church series. Tami
Werschey-Kessinger, pastor of Hartsburg United Methodist
Church and Douglas Bowers of Lifepoint
Church of God here in Lincoln are the most recent
additions to the growing list of pastors and
churches doing the Why Church series.
If you have missed it somehow, our community has
been invited back to church. Why Church is a unique
approach by several area ministers to invite you
back to church this September. However, there is
more to it than just that.
In a most unprecedented idea, these local ministers
of different denominations and backgrounds have come
together to also share in the writing of their
sermons. Four messages are being written together to
answer the question: Why the church is important!
The church is under a lot of criticism these days. A
recent Newsweek magazine cover on April 9, 2012
read, “Forget the church…follow Jesus.” A popular
rant on YouTube titled “Why I hate religion, but
love Jesus” has now been viewed some 22 million
times. More and more people are raising a voice
against the church. Why?
Mostly because they fail to see all the good the
church is or has been. They only focus on the
struggles, problems, failures, and a few troubled
people within.
It’s too easy to be critical regarding the church:
She’s too boring, She doesn't deal with real issues
of life, She’s irrelevant, intolerant, and full of
hypocrites. Yes! Maybe! The church can, at times,
have an image problem.
And yet, most churches are a real blessing. Just
look at the positive differences the church has
made. Look at all the clinics, hospitals, and
children’s homes the church has built. What about
feeding the hungry and disaster relief? To this day,
it’s the church that is the first to respond in any
catastrophe in our country. Are you aware church
people are making the largest sacrifices when it
comes to adopting orphans or caring for the
disabled? Did you know that most prison visitation
and counseling is led by the church? Most churches
are places of great joy, compassion, hope. Most
churches clearly love God, love their neighbors, and
make their communities a better place for everyone.
(Together for Lincoln for example)
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The mudslinging that has taken place against the church over the
last few years now demands a response from its leaders. And that is
the reason for Why Church! This series is not “why MY church” but
“why THE church!”
These ministers are now inviting the entire community to find their
way into one of the churches presenting the series and to give them
a sincere and open ear as to why the church is needed in our
community. If you want more information, check out the newly created
website: www.whychurch.net. There is still time for other churches
to join. Just contact one of the ministers already involved.
[Ron Otto, Lincoln Christian Church] |
