I found it a little more difficult to come up with this week’s discussion topic than usual.  Usually I know what I want to discuss at least a week ahead of time but this time I could not narrow it down.  There are still lots of questions in me but I am just not sure if they would interest you.

And current topic discussions seem to be a little heated to some but be assured, on my part, that they are just discussions.  Part of the reason I wait to comment on this Tuesday thing I am doing is to get real responses because I know that sometimes I am going to be a little controversial.  And I really value your input.  So I wait.

Then it has a tendency to get a little deep sometimes but I love you guys, and these discussions.

But this week will be, I think, maybe just a little less opinionated and more thoughtful.  But opinions are thoughts, so I don’t know really.  So here we go.

I have been reading about the different church models many ministries are trying.  Most seem to have the bigger is better mindset but there seems to be a growing movement based on the benefits of “house” or “home” churches.  These seem to be smaller groups of Christ followers just getting together for scripture exposition, worship and prayer time, and fellowship in either a home or some other small establishment.

Some think that this is the proper model after studying the early church, especially as depicted in some parts of Acts.

What do you think?

Do we need large buildings with many members and paid staff?

Do we even need the small 100 member churches with a small building but as much of the traditional trappings of church as they can afford?

Can a house church do what Christ instructed us to do?

Love you all.

Okay.  It is December.  It is probably the busiest month of the year.  The month when most people try to see family, shop for gifts, throw and attend party after party, decorate the yard, the house and the tree, and so on and so on.  It is an exhausting month of celebration but not often celebration of who it is supposed to be about.

Please don’t forget Christ as you go about the hustle and bustle of this season.

But it is Tuesday so I hope you can spend a few minutes here also.  I have held this topic for a few weeks because it has, I believe, the potential to get controversial.  But then again, I’ve thought that before and was wrong.

I was reading some comments on the internet a few weeks ago and someone made the following statement.

But I am an American. I am a Christian. I have a duty to God and Country.

They went on to expand on this to say what they had to about the topic at hand, which I can’t remember, but I could not forget it so I saved it.  I am referring just to the statement above that is in bold text.  It bothers me on some level.

• What do you think about the statement?

• Do you believe it is a truthful statement?

• What is this idea of duty and do I have a duty to these two entities?

• Do I have a duty to anything or anyone else?

What do you think?

Love you all.

I am blessed.  I have been fortunate in the choice of where I attend church.  My church is filled with some very loving people, a great pastor, powerful praise and worship and many opportunities for Kingdom work.  It is my first church and my first pastor. 

But some of you have had to change churches for some reason or other.  And a lot of you have gone through a pastoral change.  I wonder sometimes about how someone goes about changing their church membership. 

A few weeks ago we discussed some of the things we like and look for in a preacher.  This week’s discussion is in that same vein. 

So, let’s say you have had to move to another state where you do not know anyone.  Maybe it was employment related.  You make the move, settle into your work, and then start looking for a church. 

Here are a few questions about this process I want you to answer.

How soon do you start your search for a church?

What are some of the methods that you would employ to check out different churches?

What would you look for in a church that would make you want to become a member?

No, I am not leaving the church I am at.  I am thrilled to serve right where I am and I just started a new blog for my church here. It is also listed in my Blogroll.  So no, I am not going anywhere at the moment.

I was just wondering.

Love you all.

I just want to thank everybody who has visited, read and commented on this site.  I love you all and am going to keep this short.  We are coming up on one of the most important holidays we have.  Or at least that is what I think. 

Thanksgiving.

But as we look around it is being left behind to some degree.  How much longer will it be before it becomes totally changed to the pre Christmas Christmas or Christmas Shopping Holiday?    Thanksgiving just does not have a chance.  It is not in the same league as Valentine’s Day, Halloween, Christmas or even Easter because of its lack in generating gift expenditures.  And it doesn’t even compare to New Years or the 4th because alcohol consumption is not the main focus. 

But if you do live in America, you do have so much to be thankful for.  So for today, the question is simple.

What are you especially thankful for?

Have a great Thanksgiving and remember it is so much more than just a day off to eat and watch football.

Love you all.