I just read a great
Carey Nieuwhof article
that deals with one of the persistent issues for small churches that average less than 200 in attendance. This includes most of the churches in America. Even a cursory glance at the relatively flat statistical history of most such churches will cause the curious reviewer to ask the probing question, “Why do they usually stay small?” Sometimes there are obvious physical barriers such as the size of the building or a shortage of parking, but most of the time such external factors are not adequate to explain the struggles small congregations have. In this article, Nieuwhof puts his finger on a some other key issues that are so relevant. In my experience as a pastor, I can say that I would affirm this list of issues that hinder the growth of small churches. Overcoming these becomes as much part of the strategy for growth as adding methods of outreach or staffing a nursery or improving parking.
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Best political cartoon
Here is a very helpful article for parents. It has a good perspective on helping children make healthy emotional adjustments in today’s world.
Reasons Today’s Kids Are Bored, Entitled, Impatient with Few Real Friends
Here is a thoughtful and challenging statement by some of the leaders of the church today. It helps us on the road to seeing how the church can take a stand today to distinguish itself in the confusion of the hour.
Today’s Hartford Currant had an excellent article that gets at the rest of the story about countries like Haiti, the part of the story that is not told. It’s not the whole story either. For starters, the government corruption endemic to so much of Latin America afflicts Haiti as well. But Americans need to know the part of the story Bill Heiden is telling. Haiti Commentary
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Country Santa
Just a mile or so away from my house is a man who collects small old Farmall tractors. Seems like I am always chasing a deadline when I go by, but today, by some miracle, I was running just a little early so I pulled in and introduced myself. I wanted to meet the curator of this collection which I have admired ever since I moved here. An immediate reason was also that I wanted to ask permission to take a photo of this country Santa that he has in his front lawn. I found the collector to be a very amiable and hospitable guy named Bernie Merli and he calls his place “Acre Farm.” I just have to go back when I can talk longer. His Santa is perfect for a “Country Touch.” When it rains, he either covers Santa or takes him inside. He covers the tractors during the winter so I can hardly wait til spring to get better acquainted.