Comments on: J.C. & Co. Inc.

By: Tony Brushett

Tony Brushett — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:43:08 +0000

Major Fred;
Well said Sir…Are our churches (in our case, corps) being looked at on some level the same way that society looks at marriage; I’ll stay as long as I am having fun (singing lots of upbeat choruses), but as soon as the commitment to my spouse (our financial & volunteer comitments) becomes anything of a burden, then like roughly 50% of the population today, I’m out of here.

There is a reality that many churches are looking at closures, amalgimations or circuits, but I have to wonder, at the end of the day is there any real commitment on the part of the congregation? As an example, you have a church with 250 families on the roles, but only 60 are supporting in any way, shape or form. Of those 60, only 20 families, or less than 10% are doing what God has called them too. Maybe this is a case where the Higher Ups have to look at it from a business point of view.

The other side of this is the little community that has one church and for years it was self sufficient. Now, most of the community has died off, but the remaining 30 or so are still very faithful to the church but not to the point where they can look after themselves financially anymore. Maybe this is a case where the brass looks at it as a time to take the financial loss so those who have been loyal all thier lives have a place to worship. I don’t know, it’s a tough call and one that would have to be made with a lot of thought.

Major Gerard mentions corps that are in close proximity to each other, and looking at them as a combined corps. History in Newfoundland has proven that this has to be done very carefully. While there are success stories, there are also many more stories of corps officers trying to deal with those hurts even a decade later/ I look at 2 corps in our area and what we have is 2 complete different styles of worship. Could they amaligimate, Yes, but to be done right it would be a long process.

O like Kathies

By: KathieChiu

KathieChiu — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 22:02:46 +0000

Thanks, Fred, for saying this. All to often we’re bombarded with a corporate mentality that it’s sometimes hard to find ministry within that system. We say we’re here for “others” but often is seems only if it doesn’t cost us anything or only if we can get a government contract to cover the expense.

Fortunately (or unfortunately some may think) we now face a generation coming up that aren’t interested in our programs or what our church has to offer them. They’re interested in authentic expressions of our faith and mistrust the denominational label. However, the Army is well positioned to attract this next generation because of our mission emphasis and many don’t see us as a denomination. If we can resist trying to be like other consumer driven churches we’ll have a better chance of reaching them for Christ.

Thanks again for a well written and timely article.
Kathie

By: Major John Gerard(R)

Major John Gerard(R) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 18:17:25 +0000

I agree with Major Fred Ash on all points except one. Down the street may be a church which dried up and died. They believe in a doctrine such as owrs. Should we not encourage the remaining few to join our congregation and take part in the fellowship?
Then we have two or three Corps in a small geographic area. Should they be blended and share resources to be more effective in the community at large?Same family!