Christian Living
The following is a letter from a pastor struggling to keep the money flowing into his 501c3 church.
I've visited this local church once several years ago and what I read here tells me that this particular gathering is operating much like a business trying to bring in more money to run their own agenda which may or may not be according to the will of God.
Each local Christian congregation has alot of activities going on but are they truly following the great commission of bringing the gospel to the poor? Are they worshiping God in Spirit and in truth? Are they bringing the true gospel or a man-made free will gospel where man contributes something to the work of God in salvation? If a pastor or congregation is not walking in the fear of God then the Spirit will not bless that congregation but will depart as the candlelight is removed and that congregation is scattered. We read that if the salt lose its savor wherewith shall it be salted? It is henceforth good for nothing but to be trodden under foot of men." I trust this isn't the case with this professing body of Christ.
Dear Church Family,
I write to you today out a heart of concern for our church. On Sunday, our attendance was very low. So many of our members seem to be inconsistent in their attendance, participation and service to the Lord. We cannot continue in the current direction and remain a vital and healthy church that brings honor to the Lord Jesus Christ. Many of our members only attend once per month, some less than that...and yet consider _________Baptist Church to be their "home church." Since the church is the Body of Christ, I want to tell those who feel that way that we need you. We are less than our best...we are limping along without your regular presence and participation...and we miss you!
I've been with you a long time...for 31 years, and from what I observe, it indicated that we have slipped into a sense of comfort and complacency. Along with that complacency in regular attendance has come a complacency concerning our giving to the Lord. After months of less-than-needed giving, we are currently holding $6,000 in payables and our saving account is exhausted. I know that times are tough, but everybody should give something to the Lord consistently...not out of duty, but joyfully. Your faithfulness in giving allows us to keep the light on and ministries going. I am really seeking the Lord for His guidance and direction for the future of the ___________Faith Family. If God were to tell me that another pastor could better lead and serve you, I would reluctantly resign, However, He hasn't told me that, and _______and I still have a passion for reaching and discipling the lost and leading and serving with you.
The bottom line is this...we need a fresh Word, a fresh touch from the Lord that brings all of us back to our first love. I would encourage you to consider these questions:
If everyone attended like I attend what kind of church would this be?
If everyone gave like I gave, what kind of church would this be?
If everyone prayed like I pray, what kind of church would this be?
If everyone served like I serve, what kind of church would this be?
I'm asking you to give prayerful consideration to all that I've shared. Then I'm asking you to "put feet" to your prayers and to be present on Sunday morning, September 28th @ 10:30 for the start of our Fall Bible Conference and to bring with you the best offering you can possibly put together to help us get back on track financially. I am so anxious to see all of members together in the same place, at the same time seeking the Lord. Let's make that a reality on September 28th. ___________will be our special guest and I firmly believe that he is bringing a fresh Word from the Lord for such a time as this.
Sincerely,
Pastor Don
Carlton Pruitt ministers the gospel to the Los Angeles area.
Formerly a Hollywood actor (SAG member) and junk removal expert he now spends most of his time studying the scriptures, writing articles, hymns and poems and doing street preaching.
See all his videos on https://www.YouTube.com/user/LAStreetPreacher
CONTACT at [email protected]
PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
Reader Count & Comments
Date
The opinions expressed by authors do not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com. This is especially true with articles that
deal with personal healthcare and prophecy. We encourage the reader to make their own decision in consultation with God, His Word, and others as needed.
This article has been read 679 times < Previous | Next >
Read more articles by Brother Carlton This article has been read 679 times < Previous | Next >
Search for articles on: (e.g. creation; holiness etc.)
Read more by clicking on a link:Free Reprints
Main Site Articles
Most Read Articles
Highly Acclaimed Challenge Articles.
New Release Christian Books for Free for a Simple Review.
God is Not Against You - He Came on an All Out Rescue Mission to Save You
...in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them... 2 Cor 5:19
Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Acts 13:38
LEARN & TRUST JESUS HERE
FaithWriters offers Christian reading material for Christian readers. We offer Christian articles, Christian fiction, Christian non-fiction, Christian Bible studies, Christian poems, Christian articles for sale, free use Christian articles, Christian living articles, New Covenant Christian Bible Studies, Christian magazine articles and new Christian articles. We write for Jesus about God, the Bible, salvation, prayer and the word of God.
