My Random Thoughts About Church Politics
Singles vary widely: those over 30 who aren’t seeking marriage, those over 40 who have never married, divorced individuals, people who left partners due to abuse, single parents, widows and widowers, and those who are happy being single but occasionally feel lonely.
Many older singles prefer not to be defined by their relationship status. They dislike being labeled as “single.” They are individuals like anyone else. While singles may not want their status highlighted, they still seek support for the challenges that can arise from being single.
Many “singles ministries” face challenges because churches often do not know how to run them effectively. Frequently, churches that have singles ministries appoint someone who is willing but not necessarily passionate about the ministry. Typically, these programs are led by married couples who may not fully grasp the unique needs of single individuals. Now, consider how this applies to student ministries. If we simply choose someone who is “willing” and “faithful” without considering their strengths, we may encounter issues. Being “willing and faithful” isn’t always sufficient; it’s important to also consider the person’s gifts.
This brings up an important point: if a single person is deemed unable to grasp the complexities of married life and is therefore unqualified to be a pastor, (which some married couples do actually believe) how can married couples say that they truly understand singles? Just because someone was once “single” does not mean they still comprehend what being “single” feels like at a different stage of life. Often, churches focus on either marrying singles off or tackling “singles issues.” While it’s essential to talk about loneliness and finances, these should not be the only priorities. There needs to be a balanced approach that includes both these discussions and the building of faith.
There should be opportunities for serving and building relationships within both the singles group and the larger church community. However, preventing a single adult from serving in church simply because they are single is unacceptable. God will hold The Church accountable for that mindset.
In my 15 years of seeking ministry, I have found the Southern Baptist Convention to be the most restrictive in insisting that its pastors must be married. But why is that?
1 There’s a common belief that single individuals are often more susceptible to sexual temptations. Is that really true?
–Have you heard of Steve Lawson or Robert Morris, for example?
— And what about the saying regarding pastors who leave with the church secretary, which has happened more than once, and she wasn’t his spouse?
2. A single man cannot offer marriage counseling to couples.
— How can you assume that?
— As mentioned earlier, singles tend to understand married individuals much better than those couples understand older singles. This is largely because couples often don’t put in the effort!
3. The Bible states, “Husband of one wife” (2Tim3:2b)
– This is often cited and deserves its own discussion.
– Briefly, consider the first part of the verse and how it connects to the second part.
4. The Unpaid Work of the Pastor’s Wife
(If he’s single, the church loses out on this “free” help) It may sound harsh, but many small SBC churches view it this way! That’s their main concern!
If you’re single, you’ve probably heard some well-meaning but frustrating comments from others. While those who offer advice may believe they’re being helpful, it can often feel dismissive, making us roll our eyes. Before you voice your thoughts, consider whether what you’re saying is truly valuable. Just because something sounds good doesn’t mean it is. Remember,
Better to be thought the fool than open your mouth and remove all doubt. – Ben Franklin
If you’re unsure of what to say, it’s best not to say anything at all. Be a friend and support us in a meaningful way instead of making up responses.
The church growth movement has had significant consequences for the American Church. While many churches have become larger, we must consider the cost of growth.
A relevant quote regarding the modern American Evangelical Church is;
A time will come when instead of shepherds feeding the sheep, the church will have clowns entertaining the goats – Charles Spugeon
Spurgeon’s remarks were made during the downgrade controversy in 19th century England, yet they are applicable today. Many churches now have leaders that act more like entertainers than spiritual guides.
Today, numerous churches focus heavily on entertainment rather than on worshiping God. They prioritize pleasing people instead of following God’s teachings. The sermons often resemble self-help talks and may include a brief mention of scripture that rarely connects to the message being delivered.
This approach has resulted in impressive growth numbers for some churches. People tend to flock to what appeals to them, which explains the current trend.
— Before the church growth movementaround 1300 mega churches in 2024, defined by 2000 members or more
About 40 percent of megachurches are what we call nondenominational
By contrast, a separate 2020 study found that three-quarters of megachurches were growing, many at a rapid clip.
— 60 members is the average size of a church in America in 2024
The Breakdown (2023 Numbers)
— 177,000 “Small Churches” Averages 60 worshipers
— 59% of churches
Most of these churches have limited resources with one pastor who is often part-time, bi-vocational, with some that are full-time. Church programs are volunteer-led and run.
— 105,000 “Medium-Small Churches” 100-499 worshipers
— 35% of churches staffing varies for churches this size, with the average having 1-5 pastors for staff either part-time or full-time. These churches rely heavily on volunteers for their programs.
— 12,000 “Medium-Sized Churches” 500-999 worshipers
— 4%
They have larger numbers of staff and tend towards staff-led volunteer-based programming and ministries.
— 6,000 “Large Churches” 1,000-1,999 worshipers
— 2%
These churches have approximately ten to twenty staff who lead most church programs and oversee volunteers.
— 1,300 “Mega Churches” 2,000-9,999 worshipers
— 0.5%
A “mega-church” can average anywhere from twenty to over one-hundred pastors and paid staff, with multi-million dollar budgets. Programs are primarily staff-led.
–50 “Super-Mega Church” 10,000+
–0.1%
These Churches are total clown shows, they fear man not God. They are in it just to “see” how big they can get. Their ego’s are out of this world.
John 4:23-24, “Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”
Psalms147:1 “Praise the Lord. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him!
So many of the largest churches “worship services” look more like a rock concert than a true worship service worshiping a Holy God. A concert with dim lights, spot lights, smoke machines, and the works, while singing sexually suggestive lyrics. What? (Thinking about you, Church by the Glades.) While others worship the devil by singing songs by Bethel, Hillsong, and Elevation Worship. Devil worship? Bethel? That’s a bit strong don’t you think? So many songs written by the “Big 3” (Elevation Worship, Bethel, Hillsong) have unbiblical lyrics and even the songs that are “Biblical” still should be avoided. Because, those ministries are so tainted with filth that no God fearing believer should touch them.
Elevation Worship – Steven Furtick is a known heretic and egomaniac.
Bethel Church – Bill Johnson is a known heretic, believes in angles dust, grave soaking, NAR teachings,
Hillsong Church – Brian Houston – multiple “pastors” have had to deal with s3x scandals.
The Bible says that the leaders of the church are to aspire to be blameless, are they perfect? No, of course not! However, the above list suggest those leaders aren’t even trying to be blameless rather they are doing as they please. If you found a Biblical sound song with a really cool beat, but saw that Jack the Ripper wrote it, would you sing it in your church?
Let’s start off with defining the term, worship (or what it is and isn’t). The dictionary defines worship as, the feeling or expression of reverence and adoration for a deity. I think we can do better. Sure worship can include such things as singing, prayer, and even Bible reading however, is that all worship is limited too? Throughout the Bible God is clearly more concerned about our heart than anything going on, on the outside. For in Matthew 15:8-9, “‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 9 They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.” To God your worship means nothing if your heart is not in it, or to put it into todays lingo your just going through the motions. Of course, not only do we have to have the right heart about it, but we also have to be in Truth. What does that mean? Well, we have to have the correct understand of who God is and what He wants and desires from us. The fact remains we were made to worship, something. We worship what we value, plain and simple. We worship God authentically when we know him truly and treasure him fully. Thus, there is two types of worship, one of singing songs of praise to God, repenting of sins, the other is service and being obedient to what we know God wants us to do.
Sianna O.
Floyd B.
Kelsi S.