Church Fellowship

I will accept answers from the spiritual to the practical…

-Pastor has stated that he could handle up to 200 members.

-Reformed Presbyterian/Calvinist, affiliated with larger denomination.

-1 full time pastor

-Church is located in an urban area in the midwest. "rents" space from another church.

-Meets twice on Sunday for worship, once on Wednesday for Bible study.

-Regular monthly fellowships (3-4 times a month)

-Majority white/families, people of all ages

-online weekly newsletters

-quarterly print newsletters

-sermons downloaded to popular sermon website

-no radio ministry

-denomination frowns upon TV ministry

-revenue of $116,000 through contributions/grants

Marketing, marketing, marketing! In no particular order, here’s some of what I thought…

1. Invite-a-friend campaigns…my church hands out business card-sized invitations to a special message (or message series) from time to time to all the members…we’re challenged to give the card to someone we meet that week.

2. Signage — visibility is important for most "retail" businesses…more so for a church since new people in town often look for churches while they are driving around. Since you rent from another church, this may be a challenge esp. if you don’t have access to their existing signage. Get creative…rent a portable sign and use creative messages to get attention…use colorful banners hung beneath the existing sign (or wherever the other church will allow)…and what about the possibility of a billboard?

3. Web site — if you don’t have a site, create one…even a simple one-page "flyer-type" site is enough to start. Design it with appropriate key words so people looking for a local church can find it. I saw a study once that said as much as 70% of the searches on Google were "local" (meaning they included the name of a specific town). For example, if you lived in Tulsa, you would want to make sure the word "Tulsa" and the word "church" appeared on your site as many times as reasonable…copyright notice on every page…you can even add it to the name of the church (e.g., "First Church of Tulsa" would come up high on the list for people searching for "church" and "Tulsa").

4. Yellow pages (including online listings)…many people look for churches in the yellow pages both before and after moving to a new location.

I could keep going but this answer is already too long *smile*…it all comes down to offering people something they are seeking and then finding creative ways to make people aware of you!

From the outside, James Omar Clea appears to be a God loving man. Clea posted sermons from Bishop Allen Simmons in his My Space page. He writes in his bio that he spoke in tongues by 13, and was called to preach at fifteen. He neglected to mention his conviction in 2008- to armed robbery.

Today he is still listed as an Elder for Pentecostal Fellowship Ministries. Today he is also under arrest for allegedly participating in the murder for hire of a disabled and blind man Lemuel Wallace.

Clea is the second pastor arrested in connection with Wallaces murder. Pastor Kevin Pushia has been charged with assault and murder. An ABC2 investigation into Pentecostal Fellowship Ministries raises more questions than answers.

Most of phone numbers listed as Elders and Presiding Elders were disconnected. ABC2 News has left messages for Bishop Allen Simmons, who appears to be the leader of this church. We have yet to receive a response.

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Okay, I am going to Bible College in January. Right now I live in West Virginia, but in three weeks I am moving to New Jersey (big change!!!) to live with my nonchristian parents until I go to Bible College.

So, I want to get plugged into a church right away so I can have some Christians to hang out with in between lectures on Higher Criticism from my father, lol. But the problem is, it’s a small area with not a lot of churches. I have done searches and can’t find any churches that appeal.

Here’s the thing: there is a very big church in my parents town with tons of ministries and even a group for 20-30 year olds that meets weekly. But they are an Assemblies of God church, and I’m concerned that they might be charismatic.

Is it better to go to a church that preaches good theology but is full of old people, or to go to a church that teaches poor theology but has opportunities for fellowship and ministry?

If you would, please look at the website of the big church and tell me if you think it’s acceptable:

http://www.evangelchurch.ws/index.asp

that depends on whether you go to church for the dogma or the social life…..

This is fun and had to be done. This was our Executive Pastor’s last service at Emory and the Dance Ministry had to minister in her honor. You go L. Feemster! May you always have a dance in your heart at your new church home

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I’m a christian who goes to church, joins fellowships, serves in sunday school ministry, gives financially, and hangs out with mostly church-goer friends.. I truly believe in God and I’m very thankful of his grace and salvation.. I know all about the importance of prayer, but for some reasons, I’m having the hardest, hardest time trying to pray. I never know what to say other than thank you for what I’ve had… I’ve never really "heard" anything from God either.. although I know he’s there and real. Help!
Thanks for the outpouring of thoughtful answers…

FYI: giving thanks was never really an issue for me. I do realize I have a lot to be thankful for and I don’t find it difficult to express it to God… But when it comes down to sharing my thoughts and problems with God… or when I want to ask for anything from him… I just don’t know how, I often feel so undeserving… and not wanting to come of as being so needy… Anyone ever feel the same way?

Talk to God just as you would your best friend.God loves to hear us talk to him.He doesn’t like us to say memory prayers,that’s for babies.Just talk to God from your heart.Prayer is your time with your father.Satan will do any thing to destroy that .Please just spend time alone with your Father and tell him ,how much you love him and what is going on.Remember he knows but its so nice to hear someone say I love you,lets spend some time together.<><

Basically my sister’s fiance is the perfect example of why christianity has such a bad reputation. He claims to have been involved in 4 different churches/ministries until he relocated by moving in with us. He and my sister go to church every sunday. You would think someone with this level of involvement would live a great example, but you wouldn’t beieve some of the hatred this guy spews. If he comes in contact with someone who’s beliefs differ, if only by degree, he makes personal attacks against them, and makes it a point to bring them down. Also his perception of some things in the bible just don’t seem realistic. He thinks the Christ’s desciples, among others in the bible, were uneducated and/or slow-minded basicly because they didn’t live in the 21th century. The opposite couldn’t be more true. Christ specifically picked the apostles because of their knowledge and talents. He picked a doctor, who must have had some form of education, even though it may have been based in pre-AD/CE era knowledge. He picked a tax guy, considering the incomes of the numerous people in this group, and also the methods by which they acquired their finances, they would have needed him. HE also picked up a couple fishermen; they were probably needed on those long travels, especialy when shore wasn’t far.

Back to this guy though. HE says very hateful things. He has said that all homo’s should be collected and left on an uninhabited island. What is that going to solve? If we rousded up everybody with sin in their lives, then there wouldn’t be anybody left. That’s just an example of some of the things he says. I think a part of the reason ho says such things is because he knows i disagree with him on such subjects.

I had a problem with my mother once, and he threw himself in the middle of it, when it was none of his business. He sent me an email saying he hates me and that i am niether friend nor family to him among other things, attacking my spirituality and me in general. I pulled biblical references to show that such behavior is un-Christian, such as 1 John 4:20. "If a man says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who doesn’t love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?". He responded by saying i’m taking those verses lightly. How can i be? That’s what it says. How else can you take it?

So to get to the point. How can someone who acts like that go to church every sunday and not be convicted? Or how can someone who goes to church every sunday act like that, when they should know better. How do i deal with him?

I know we should not compare ourselves before God, but i feel i must point out before the people answering, that i don’t go to church because i haven’t found one that preaches what i believe to be sound doctrine yet. I read my bible, and watch and listen to lectures online (gotta love youtube) and study on my own. I stopped going to church a year ago, because of people like my sister’s fiancee, who i felt perverted the ministry. This is not a permanent situation for me. MY personal beliefs: I have a "c’est la vie’" attitude. Spread peace and love in the name of Yah most high. HE created us to have fellowship with him, and by condemning others, even if there behavior is sinful, only serves as a stumbling block for them, keeping them from having a relationship with our God. When they can look at your life and think of how you are differnt and start to inquire, that is how you have a ministry and an influence on someone.
the01animal, i’m sorry he is not a JW but an AB, that would have helped us both out if it did happen to be the same guy though!

Well, to begin with, this man is an extremely insecure person. You say he’s been involved with four different churches/ministries. If that means four different denominations, that is proof that he’s confused. To cover up his insecurity, he tries to bully others (you, for one) and he practices bigotry. You don’t say how old you are, but I’m guessing your sister is older. If she truly wants to marry this guy, then she will. If that takes place, one of two things will happen: he’ll take every opportunity to try to make your like miserable, or 2) you will learn to be smarter and stronger than him by learning how to handle him. The fact that he’s supposed to be a competent, educated person (to hear him tell it) is nullified because he’s not even living independently. He’s living with your family??? Is he sleeping with your sister? Another strike against him if that’s the case–he denounces others, but he’s no better than they are. In other words, he’s an all-around loser. He has very low self-esteem, and he tries to cover it up by trying to make himself feel superior. Okay, here’s what you do: First, don’t react to him. That’s what he wants. He gets your attention by making an outrageous statement, and then he engages you in an argument. Don’t argue with him about scripture. Anything you say goes in one ear and out the othr, because he’s already thinking of his next argument. It won’t do you any good to try to prove anything to him. (He’s always right!!) If you consistently refuse to debate with him, then he’ll have to find another "victim". Being consistent is what you have to remember. When he starts, just look at him, hear him out, , and when he’s finished spouting off, tell him, "___, I’m going to pray for you that God releases you from your sin of bigotry." Do that over and over. We counselors call it the "broken record technique". Pretty soon, he’ll get fed up with you saying that, and he’ll quit trying to pull your chain. Now be prepared for him to come at you in various other ways. He may write you hateful e-mails. Block his e-mail address from your computer. He’ll get that message, too. Just refuse to involve yourself with him. I do have a question. What do your parents think about the things he says? If he’s going to be married to your sister, be prepared to be estranged from her if he doesn’t change. Just stick to your guns, and one way or another, he’ll find he can’t get to you any longer. Good luck.

Pastor Jacqueline Gates is jewel and gift to the body of Christ. The Lord has laid his hands upon her life with power and demonstration. She is an anointed Preacher, Teacher and Prophetess of God. Her gifts extend into many streams as a ministry helper.
Her sincerity for the kingdom and Gods people has distinguished her as a 21st century voice to he heard and respected.

Affectionately called Pastor Jackie,she serves at Miracle Christian Center under the dynamic leadership of Dr. David B. Gates, her Pastor and beloved brother. At Miracle she serves as Associate Pastor, MCBI Instructor, and is the National Evangelist for United Fellowship Ministries under the Apostolic anointing and leadership of her parents, Apostle Craig and Dr. Phyllis Young. She reigned successfully from 2005-2008 as MCC Womens Department President. She empowered women of all walks of life from 2005-2008. The Lord elevated her faithful service to Associate Pastor; March 2009.
Enjoy this moment from the woman of God recorded at The Life Chapel .

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I’ve been in a ministry called Campus Crusade for Christ during my college years. Being in the ministry, it felt like I’ve grown alot & got to meet many co-workers in Christ. However after my college years, things began to seem really hard. I felt spiritually defeated many times. The reason is

I dont know anyone in my hometown. It is hard to go to a new church & build relationship with people that I never knew in my life. I visited this church for a while but experience were not great. Therefore I thought that I would be finding a godly church thru my friends from campus ministry but it doesnt seem to happen. Unemployment is keeping me away from people & having a fellowship. i need to drive 30-40 miles to meet my friends but losing a job makes me stay home all the time. I feel isloated, lonely & feel like I am not being involved at church/ ministry at all. Unemployment is keeping me away from getting in touch. if I had a job, this wouldnt hapeen. How can I experience victory?

Since you do seem to have a lot of time on your hands then stay in God’s word. Read and study as much as possible. This always helps me get the victory. Maybe God has given you this extra time to do that. Maybe he has big plans for you down the road!

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Bishop Michael Blue and the Door Of Hope Christian Church singing at the December Pastor Aide service @ Bethel Apostolic in Florence SC,

Pastor: Bishop, H.L. Williams
Founder: Late Bishop, U.I. McCall

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Our church is in dire straits. Our leadership has manhandled and botched every aspect of what church is. Pastor protects and turns a blind eye. Our youth is dead, our young couples have left (some divorced), our ministries are bare. Our leaders are better known for bullying than for serving. We recently had a fellowship with people who left our church and everyone is saddened but we still a family. I not only had warned pastor years back about early warning signs of this but worked to help avoid this. He paid no mind. I torn between feeling like I abandoning my church or staying and having a fighting spirit (not necessarily good) to save this churches people and get our leadership straight. Should I just go? Another thing placed in my heart was to speak to our pastors pastor regarding the goings on. Is this a way to go?
27purple, very nicely put.

Jesus said that ‘by their fruitage, you will know them". In other words, if your church is falling apart from within, it’s time to look for one that holds to biblical standards, not human ones.