John, you are right. The world isn’t coming to a church to look for truth. At least not traditional, established, out of their element churches. I think the problem is three-fold. First, we have to reexamine Sundays and make them a place where the congregation is stirred for ministry and equipped to do that ministry in their daily lives. Second, we must provide a loving, welcoming environment for those who do come. Third, we must meet people where they are. That might mean feeding the homeless, giving clothes to the needy, church planting in a new area, empowering the minister to do Bible studies at the local coffee shop instead of at the church building, etc. Every context is different, but the end result is the same. We have to get out of the building and into the world in order to make a difference.

But yes, I am a big fan of biblical things by biblical names. Thanks for the reminder, Harold.

John, you are right. The world isn’t coming to a church to look for truth. At least not traditional, established, out of their element churches. I think the problem is three-fold. First, we have to reexamine Sundays and make them a place where the congregation is stirred for ministry and equipped to do that ministry in their daily lives. Second, we must provide a loving, welcoming environment for those who do come. Third, we must meet people where they are. That might mean feeding the homeless, giving clothes to the needy, church planting in a new area, empowering the minister to do Bible studies at the local coffee shop instead of at the church building, etc. Every context is different, but the end result is the same. We have to get out of the building and into the world in order to make a difference.

But yes, I am a big fan of biblical things by biblical names. Thanks for the reminder, Harold.

Preaching; from a Biblical sense seems to be something that is provided to those looking for the truth – again very few of those in our buildings on Sunday morning.

Based on a quick recollection of new testement examples (including all of Jesus’ teaching), most examples of preaching happen in either public, or at the very least, mixed environments.

Maybe if we as church members (me especially) got more involved with loving and serving our neighbors and co-workers, getting envolved in their lives, activities, problems and celebrations… and inviting them into ours, the world might find a reason to listen to our preachers. (or pulpit ministers)