May 2011

DO WE NEED CHURCHES?

The following article “Do We Need Churches?” is published in the May 2011 edition of the Gate Post publication. The topic that President Bueltmann addresses here is so important to the life of the church that I want to personally ensure that everyone in our congregation has the opportunity to give it their undivided attention. After you have read it, read it once again and then please take time to share it with other members of our fellowship. All of us need to carefully consider President Bueltmann’s words.  I will offer my personal comments following the conclusion of President Bueltmann’s article.  – Pastor Bruce

There are many churches in our smaller communities that are closing or at least struggling financially.  I had lunch at a benefit in Rankin recently at the Lions Club, which was formerly the Catholic Church. Recently we heard that one of the members of a small congregation in a small community embezzled over $160,000 in a year.  This was followed by a fundraiser, which seemed odd to me.  But I have a more long-lasting concern that I want to share with you.  Is the local church going the way of the local grocery stores and gas stations?

That church was not the only one in the small town, nor was it the only church in need of funding.  Why are the churches having difficulties?  And my next question is do we really need churches?  I have been a pastor for over 40 years.  The church phone rings quite often with someone asking for help with gas, groceries, utility bills, etc.  I would often ask, "What church do you attend?"  The response would usually be, "I do not attend any."  Then I ask, "Why are you asking the church to help you now, when you never helped the church when you could?"  Often they would say, "The church is supposed to help."  Is that the only purpose for our churches?

Where does the church get all this money to help everyone?  From a few garage sales?  From a handful of members who are struggling to make ends meet and making sacrificial gifts to the Lord? There are so many people who do not care about the church or want to be a part of the church, but are always looking to the church to come up with money for every project.  This is true in our society, even in our local communities.  What percentages of the people living in your community actually attend church on a regular basis and support a church?  I would guess somewhere between 10-20%.  More than that would perhaps tell you they have a church, but rarely attend.

I had an interesting conversation with a business man from Denmark last April. He told me he was not a Christian, but gladly allowed the government to take 10% of his income to be given for the "church tax."  He said they have such beautiful old churches in his country and someone has to keep them up.  He also indicated that his family could then get baptized, confirmed, married, and buried in the church if they so desired.  This is a different type of motivation for giving to the Lord's work.

It appears that for the majority of residents, the churches are not needed.  If people are not attending worship to be strengthened in their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, what other purpose does the church serve?  We are to reach out with the Gospel - tell the Good News of the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  It reminds me of Noah who preached for 120 years, but only his family was saved from the flood.

Why don't people attend church?  They want to sleep in on Sunday morning?  The children have other Sunday activities?  The style of worship is not appreciated?  The husband and wife cannot agree on what church to attend?  Someone got mad about something in the church years ago?  Why should these things deprive people from a close relationship to Christ?  They are only hurting themselves.  Do they not care what happens to them after death or do they think they will not die?  How many people have good intentions of going to church, but never do? 

Sure, they can give a few bucks to a church at a fundraiser and make themselves feel good, but what good does that really do?  Will that keep the doors open for another year or two?  It would be much better that each person "be about our Father's business" and get involved in a local church.  Are people frustrated with the way our society is going?  Why not be involved in supporting the basis upon which our country was founded and help support the work of the Lord? Encourage your friends and neighbors to attend and support the church of their choice this Sunday and every Sunday.
- Rev. David Bueltmann

My Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ, 

Just prior to ascending into heaven, Jesus would tell us, “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:20). With these words, Jesus describes to us the church by which He makes His presence known to us here on earth until the final day of His return. Jesus also tells us, “if you abide in My word, you are truly my disciples” (John 8:31). BUT… if we don’t abide in His word, what does that say about us?  If we do not make faithful church attendance our first and foremost priority on Sunday mornings, if we do not faithfully support that church where Jesus comes to us in His Word and Sacraments, we are doing nothing less than saying to our Lord and Redeemer that there are more important things in our lives. Are there really?  Everyone who is born of flesh will one day die. There are no exceptions. What can be more important than eternal life… for you… and your children? What can be more important than growing “in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18)?  As Peter said, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68). We all need what only God can give to us here in church. For your sake, and for the sake of those you love, make church a holy habit.

-Pastor Bruce