It will be interesting to see when the smoke clears. Some of our regular older people are staying home, but other families have started showing up. I wonder if we'll lose any in the long run - though I don't see that at present. Those who are not attending seem to be faithfully watching our livestream. It appears that, when all is said and done, we'll be a bigger stronger church. We've had 6 families join during this COVID mess, and even with a bunch staying home, we're about the same attendance as before this started, or slightly more.
Announcement
Collapse
Christianity 201 Guidelines
orthodox Christians only.
Discussion on matters of general mainstream evangelical Christian theology that do not fit within Theology 201. Have some spiritual gifts ceased today? Is the KJV the only viable translation for the church today? In what sense are the books of the bible inspired and what are those books? Church government? Modern day prophets and apostles?
This forum is primarily for Christians to discuss matters of Christian doctrine, and is not the area for debate between atheists (or those opposing orthodox Christianity) and Christians. Inquiring atheists (or sincere seekers/doubters/unorthodox) seeking only Christian participation and having demonstrated a manner that does not seek to undermine the orthodox Christian faith of others are also welcome, but must seek Moderator permission first. When defining “Christian” or "orthodox" for purposes of this section, we mean persons holding to the core essentials of the historic Christian faith such as the Trinity, the Creatorship of God, the virgin birth, the bodily resurrection of Christ, the atonement, the future bodily return of Christ, the future bodily resurrection of the just and the unjust, and the final judgment. Persons not holding to these core doctrines are welcome to participate in the Comparative Religions section without restriction, in Theology 201 as regards to the nature of God and salvation with limited restrictions, and in Christology for issues surrounding the person of Christ and the Trinity. Atheists are welcome to discuss and debate these issues in the Apologetics 301 forum without such restrictions.
Additionally and rarely, there may be some topics or lines of discussion that within the Moderator's discretion fall so outside the bounds of mainstream orthodox doctrine (in general Christian circles or in the TheologyWeb community) or that deny certain core values that are the Christian convictions of forum leadership that may be more appropriately placed within Unorthodox Theology 201. NO personal offense should be taken by such discretionary decision for none is intended. While inerrancy is NOT considered a requirement for posting in this section, a general respect for the Bible text and a respect for the inerrantist position of others is requested.
The Tweb rules apply here like they do everywhere at Tweb, if you haven't read them, now would be a good time.
Forum Rules: Here
Discussion on matters of general mainstream evangelical Christian theology that do not fit within Theology 201. Have some spiritual gifts ceased today? Is the KJV the only viable translation for the church today? In what sense are the books of the bible inspired and what are those books? Church government? Modern day prophets and apostles?
This forum is primarily for Christians to discuss matters of Christian doctrine, and is not the area for debate between atheists (or those opposing orthodox Christianity) and Christians. Inquiring atheists (or sincere seekers/doubters/unorthodox) seeking only Christian participation and having demonstrated a manner that does not seek to undermine the orthodox Christian faith of others are also welcome, but must seek Moderator permission first. When defining “Christian” or "orthodox" for purposes of this section, we mean persons holding to the core essentials of the historic Christian faith such as the Trinity, the Creatorship of God, the virgin birth, the bodily resurrection of Christ, the atonement, the future bodily return of Christ, the future bodily resurrection of the just and the unjust, and the final judgment. Persons not holding to these core doctrines are welcome to participate in the Comparative Religions section without restriction, in Theology 201 as regards to the nature of God and salvation with limited restrictions, and in Christology for issues surrounding the person of Christ and the Trinity. Atheists are welcome to discuss and debate these issues in the Apologetics 301 forum without such restrictions.
Additionally and rarely, there may be some topics or lines of discussion that within the Moderator's discretion fall so outside the bounds of mainstream orthodox doctrine (in general Christian circles or in the TheologyWeb community) or that deny certain core values that are the Christian convictions of forum leadership that may be more appropriately placed within Unorthodox Theology 201. NO personal offense should be taken by such discretionary decision for none is intended. While inerrancy is NOT considered a requirement for posting in this section, a general respect for the Bible text and a respect for the inerrantist position of others is requested.
The Tweb rules apply here like they do everywhere at Tweb, if you haven't read them, now would be a good time.
Forum Rules: Here
See more
See less
Post Covid-19 Church Attendance
Collapse
X
-
Here's my new thinking on this.
I think a lot of churches that were borderline on survival will close up. Over the next couple of years, the number of churches in the US will decline along with overall church attendance. This may hit rural churches really hard. It may be harder to find a church in some parts of the country and where you can find a church, you may not have the abundance of choices we've had in the past."For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings." Hosea 6:6
"Theology can be an intellectual entertainment." Metropolitan Anthony Bloom
Comment
-
Our Church has decided to suspend Children's Church for a couple Sundays, as a couple of our children contracted, or were exposed to, Covid at School
Everybody who attended (as children) or worked in Children's Church have voluntarily withdrawn from Church attendance for the time being.
This also applies to two of the three sound/video team members, one of whom is the father of one of the affected children, and another was exposed at work.
Other than that, we have been very blessed to have no other problems with Covid, so far --- we're keeping an eye on the situation all the time.The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.
Comment
-
An interesting piece that argues for the necessity of in-person Church services that seems somewhat relevant here
I'm always still in trouble again
"You're by far the worst poster on TWeb" and "TWeb's biggest liar" --starlight (the guy who says Stalin was a right-winger)
"Overall I would rate the withdrawal from Afghanistan as by far the best thing Biden's done" --Starlight
"Of course, human life begins at fertilization that’s not the argument." --Tassman
- 1 like
Comment
-
The reminder of comfort for those who meet in person...
The coronavirus testing in the United States has a reported 97% false positive.
The analysis by 22 doctors is found at https://cormandrostenreview.com/report/
So most tests in the United States are being done with 40. The number of cycles is the number of doubling of the sampling so I think 25-30 is the already on the high end. Above that, a totally innocuous amount of coronavirus is detected. As such, if a person is not symptomatic but has a positive test result, the positive result is meaningless. Please review the analysis at the website to understand things better. I only provided the critical observation that is easiest to understand.
Comment
-
Originally posted by Cow Poke View PostOur Church has decided to suspend Children's Church for a couple Sundays, as a couple of our children contracted, or were exposed to, Covid at School
Everybody who attended (as children) or worked in Children's Church have voluntarily withdrawn from Church attendance for the time being.
This also applies to two of the three sound/video team members, one of whom is the father of one of the affected children, and another was exposed at work.
Other than that, we have been very blessed to have no other problems with Covid, so far --- we're keeping an eye on the situation all the time.
In one way also, no surprise. Here in NY, through contract tracing they found only 0.69% of the cases came from religious activities."For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings." Hosea 6:6
"Theology can be an intellectual entertainment." Metropolitan Anthony Bloom
Comment
-
At that risk of derailing this thread, below is what I think is the most import part of Rogue06's post. If you wish to continue the discussion on the sentence, please start a new thread.
Originally posted by rogue06 View PostWorship in many Protestant churches, especially evangelical churches, Cherry said, has become a spectator experience, something "leaders do for the congregation."
"What you have ended up with, in hundreds of churches and across denominations, are people up front, on a stage, producing worship for the pleasure of the people," she said. "To me, this has put an exclamation point on a problem we already had."
Source[/cite]"For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings." Hosea 6:6
"Theology can be an intellectual entertainment." Metropolitan Anthony Bloom
Comment
-
Originally posted by Thoughtful Monk View Post
Glad to read you're being prudent. Hope everyone gets well quickly and no more spread.
In one way also, no surprise. Here in NY, through contract tracing they found only 0.69% of the cases came from religious activities.The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.
Comment
-
For what it is worth -- my church has been fully opened (indoors with option of outdoors, though few do outside -- as well as online) and it is growing.
And double for what it is worth, our pastor made the point (right before reopening) that our church had seen somewhere between 5-10 deaths because of COVID, but NOT of COVID (0 deaths due to actual COVID). IOW, the deaths came from suicide, relapse into drugs, misdiagnosis at hospitals due to COVID measures, etc.
Point is people NEED community -- we are not meant to do life alone. If the church is to the light of the world, we need to be open.
Comment
-
Originally posted by phat8594 View PostFor what it is worth -- my church has been fully opened (indoors with option of outdoors, though few do outside -- as well as online) and it is growing.
And double for what it is worth, our pastor made the point (right before reopening) that our church had seen somewhere between 5-10 deaths because of COVID, but NOT of COVID (0 deaths due to actual COVID). IOW, the deaths came from suicide, relapse into drugs, misdiagnosis at hospitals due to COVID measures, etc.
Point is people NEED community -- we are not meant to do life alone. If the church is to the light of the world, we need to be open.
Several of the new families have told me it's because of my insistence that "we need to be careful, but we're still going to 'be the church' that people need".The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.
Comment
-
Originally posted by Cow Poke View Post
Our congregation is actually growing -- we STILL have room to spread out even with the additional families, and we're encouraging distancing and proper hygiene. With our regulars (mostly older people) watching from home, plus our "in house" crowd - we are seeing a pretty substantial growth in membership.
Several of the new families have told me it's because of my insistence that "we need to be careful, but we're still going to 'be the church' that people need".
Out of curiosity, what are the demographics of your new membership - mainly I'm thinking age ranges but anything else you might want to share."For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings." Hosea 6:6
"Theology can be an intellectual entertainment." Metropolitan Anthony Bloom
Comment
-
Originally posted by Thoughtful Monk View Post
I'm glad for your church. I pray it will continue.
Out of curiosity, what are the demographics of your new membership - mainly I'm thinking age ranges but anything else you might want to share.
Most of our "pre-Covid" congregation was older.
Heck, when I first came to this Church, my wife and I were the YOUTH group! (And we were in our early 60's then)
The thing I keep reminding our Church --- when this is all over (if it ever is over) it's going to be interesting when the Church all gets back together.
Because the "new people" are going to think that the old people coming back to church are "new".
Some of the "new people" are taking over responsibilities (much appreciated) that some of the folks who have not been coming to Church used to do.
I'm reminding our "older folks" that this is GOOD --- that it's healthy and needs to be embraced.
I'm reminding our "newer folks" that it's always possible that our "older folks" might feel resentment, so let's keep an eye on that, and be sure to mitigate it where possible.
I supposed it's like managing a "blended family" (your kids, my kids and our kids) and making it work.
So far - it's going GREAT!The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.
Comment
-
Originally posted by Cow Poke View Post
Our congregation is actually growing -- we STILL have room to spread out even with the additional families, and we're encouraging distancing and proper hygiene. With our regulars (mostly older people) watching from home, plus our "in house" crowd - we are seeing a pretty substantial growth in membership.
Several of the new families have told me it's because of my insistence that "we need to be careful, but we're still going to 'be the church' that people need".Enter the Church and wash away your sins. For here there is a hospital and not a court of law. Do not be ashamed to enter the Church; be ashamed when you sin, but not when you repent. – St. John Chrysostom
Veritas vos Liberabit<>< Learn Greek <>< Look here for an Orthodox Church in America<><Ancient Faith Radio
sigpic
I recommend you do not try too hard and ...research as little as possible. Such weighty things give me a headache. - Shunyadragon, Baha'i apologist
Comment
-
Originally posted by One Bad Pig View Post
We're growing as well, even though we don't have the space for everyone; most people can only attend every three weeks.The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.
Comment
-
Originally posted by Cow Poke View Post
Are you considering multiple services? We're looking at that.
Enter the Church and wash away your sins. For here there is a hospital and not a court of law. Do not be ashamed to enter the Church; be ashamed when you sin, but not when you repent. – St. John Chrysostom
Veritas vos Liberabit<>< Learn Greek <>< Look here for an Orthodox Church in America<><Ancient Faith Radio
sigpic
I recommend you do not try too hard and ...research as little as possible. Such weighty things give me a headache. - Shunyadragon, Baha'i apologist
Comment
Related Threads
Collapse
Topics | Statistics | Last Post | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Started by Thoughtful Monk, 04-14-2024, 04:34 PM
|
4 responses
35 views
0 likes
|
Last Post 04-16-2024, 03:47 PM | ||
Started by One Bad Pig, 04-10-2024, 12:35 PM
|
0 responses
27 views
1 like
|
Last Post
by One Bad Pig
04-10-2024, 12:35 PM
|
||
Started by Thoughtful Monk, 03-15-2024, 06:19 PM
|
35 responses
179 views
0 likes
|
Last Post
by Cow Poke
03-27-2024, 08:28 AM
|
||
Started by NorrinRadd, 04-13-2022, 12:54 AM
|
45 responses
339 views
0 likes
|
Last Post
by NorrinRadd
04-12-2024, 04:35 PM
|
||
Started by Zymologist, 07-09-2019, 01:18 PM
|
353 responses
17,217 views
0 likes
|
Last Post
by Cerebrum123
Today, 12:54 PM
|
Comment