Where Are People Leaving the Church Going? - FELICITY DALE CHARISMA NEWS

Sociologist Josh Packard says that 65 million people have left the church. These are former leaders who love God. Where are they going? (Charisma archives)

Where Are People Leaving the Church Going?

11/29/2015 FELICITY DALE  charisma news

John White has been a friend for many years. We first met in 2001 when he came to our home to hear Wolfgang Simson speak, near the beginning of the simple/organic/house church movement in this country. John now runs a community for followers of Jesus around the world who explore rhythms of life that result in vibrant churches meeting outside the walls of the building (Lk10.com). John is not normally an emotional guy, but he broke down in tears at "The Future of the Church Summit." In this blogpost from the Lk10 site, he explains why:

Future of the Church Summit

I just returned from Loveland, CO where I attended a Conference sponsored by Group Publishing with about 130 church leaders on "The Future of the Church". On the last day, I was part of a panel and was asked to share a bit about LK10. Click on my picture below to hear what happened when I started to talk...

(By the way, make sure you see more information about Josh Packard's research below my video.)

While there were many presenters at the Summit, the most important, by far was Josh Packard. Josh is a sociologist who's research has uncovered the fact that 65 million Americans (31% of the adult population) are what he calls the "Dones". These are people who were once part of a church. In fact, they were often leaders, the "best and the brightest" according to Josh, but they are now "done" with church as they have known it. What's more, these people, for the most part, aren't going back. I can't tell you what a staggering statistic this is!

The picture that came to me was Morpheus talking to Neo in the movie The Matrix. (Although Josh is nothing like Morpheus!) Morpheus: Let me tell you why you are here. You are here because you know something. What you know you can't explain. But, you feel it. You felt it your entire life. That there is something wrong with the world (or the church?). You don't know what it is but it's there. Like a splinter in your mind.

Click on the photo to watch this 5 minute clip of Morpheus talking to Neo.

For a long time, a great many people have had this "splinter in their mind" regarding church but they couldn't explain it. And, now Josh has pulled the cover back and exposed what is really going on.

Two ways to hear more of what Josh has uncovered...

• 8 minute video describing the "Dones" ("They are not "casual Christians" or occasional attendees. Most were in some leadership position in their church."
• 90 minute video. In depth interview with Josh Packard about the "Dones". ("Most of these people are not coming back.")

Back to the Future

While the Dones are not going back to the institutional church no matter how much it is "tweaked", most of them have not abandoned God. In fact, some say that they have left "the church" to preserve their faith. And, the kind of church they are interested in looks surprisingly like the church portrayed in the book of Acts. Here are some of the characteristics of that church ...

1. All the churches in the Bible met in a home and functioned like a small spiritual family. The current institutional church, by contrast, spends a great deal of energy and money getting and maintaining a church building.
2. The churches in the Bible were simple. We describe "simple church" as a way of being/doing church where any believer could say, "I could do that!". ("they were astonished that Peter and John were unschooled, ordinary men" (Acts 4:13).) The institutional church, by contrast, requires highly educated, highly school (seminary, etc.) highly creative people to be successful. (Think Rick Warren, for instance.)
3. In the New Testament (NT) churches, everyone used their gifts. In institutional church, only a few, highly gifted people (worship leaders, preachers, etc.) use their gifts.
4. In NT church, Jesus brought the agenda for the meetings. In institutional churches, a few, very smart people design the worship experiences.
5. In the NT, churches were started in a few hours or a few days. Institutional churches require a great deal of planning and resources and take months or years to start.

Next step?

Want to learn more about doing/being church outside the institutional church? Check out a free four week course called Church 101.

Adapted from Felicity Dale's blog, Kingdom Women. Felicity Dale is an author and an advocate for women in the church. She trains people to start simple, organic house churches around the world.

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Suicidal and 'Deep in Sin,' Nickelodeon Star Reveals How He Found Faith - TROY ANDERSON, CHARISMA NEWS

Kel Mitchell tells PEOPLE his journey to faith. (YouTube)

Suicidal and 'Deep in Sin,' Nickelodeon Star Reveals How He Found Faith

11/6/2015 TROY ANDERSON  charisma news

In 2004, former Nickelodeon teen star Kel Mitchell says his life was falling apart as his marriage to Tyisha Hampton was ending.

"I felt like I'd hit a wall," Mitchell, 37, told PEOPLE. "I was like, 'Okay. I need to figure out what I need to do in my life.'"

While dealing with his divorce, Mitchell says he had encountered a "confusion moment" in his life.

"I have been through so many ups and downs in my life," Mitchell wrote on hisblog. "Suicidal, divorce, drug and alcohol usage, deep in sin, dealing with the loss of loved ones to gang violence, debt, hurt, pain, vanity, lust, heartbreak, feeling LOST looking for answers."

At that time, the former star of Nickelodeon's All That says he decided to return to the faith he learned while growing up on the South Side of Chicago where his grandfather was a pastor.

"I was trying to figure it all out on my own. But what I needed to do was turn to Him," says Mitchell, who now stars in the new Nickelodeon sitcom Game Shakers. "Once I found that clarity with Christ, I knew everything would work out."

Today, Mitchell says he's found "peace" thanks to God.

"I enjoy living this life," Mitchell says. "I don't let things frustrate or worry me anymore. I don't do that because I have peace in my heart. I have God."

For a limited time, we are extending our celebration of the 40th anniversary of Charisma. As a special offer, you can get 40 issues of Charisma magazine for only $40!

NEW - Life in the Spirit is your Spirit-filled teaching guide. Encounter the Holy Spirit, hear God speak to you, and enjoy timeless teachings on love, mercy and forgiveness.LEARN MORE!

Awakening the People of His Goodness by Lee Johndrow

Awakening the People of His Goodness 

by Lee Johndrow

Identity Network

Yesterday while having a conversation the words, sleeper cell, came up. We started to talk about the wave of terrorism and what had happened in Paris. That discussion included a piece about sleeper cells, how they were communicated and what their purpose is.

Even as I was talking to him I had a flash (A word I use to describe an image or vision I may pick up. Usually this happens when I am not thinking about something or someone) about sleeper cells. We concluded our conversation and I spent a moment or two praying about the end of these sleeper cells that created terror and pain. But while I was praying I saw something. I had a new vision of people who were happy and whole. In that moment I became aware of what I will call "sleeper cell awakening."

First let me say that a sleeper cell in the world of terrorism is simply a group that is part of a larger group. Yet there is no communication between each group. The groups go about life until one day they receive a communication of the job they are to do. For some it might be to kill or cause fear. For another to obtain supplies or money. But in all cases these small groups await the communication that activates them for this time and the job they have been prepared for. And in most cases these small groups are not in communication with other groups to insure that if there is breech the overall project is not broken. So, pray that the communications and the deceptions would be revealed and these people would encounter Jesus!

Sleeper Cell Awakening

I began to see that there were pockets of people who had been prepared for a job, for a calling. These folks were believers or Christians. They had received instruction or preparation from scripture, prayer or teaching. Too often they saw themselves as "we four and no more" and did not stray outside the parameters of their particular structure many choose to call a church. (The church is a people and not a place.)  In many cases they participated in the community but were not really part of it. In so many cases I watched they were awaiting the call, the communication that would set them in motion. Their mantra had become "so such a time as this."

I watched. I waited. And there it was. A touch. A communication. And they began to be happy and wholeness became more and more evident and change more frequent.

I admit that lately I have found myself drawn to all kinds of alarm clocks; ones that move out of the room as they go off; others that cannot be stopped; all in motion to sound awakening.

I prayed and thought about this the last day or so. It caused me to review words I had given in 2014 about awakening and revival. New England. The world. My grandson came home with a crown on his head. It was from his Sunday school class. "I prayed for Argentina. Now I am praying for China." For nearly two months he prayed for the country of Argentina. With no instruction, he would speak about water and clothing. Health and wholeness. Each time a different prayer would come forth. He read what was on his paper crown. "Let China receive her King!"

Awakening

Awakening has so much meaning, so much debate. I believe I was shown that the people of God are determining who they are called to be.  Receiving revelation. What they were made for. For this time. For this hour. To be "awakened" to the goodness of God. No longer to slumber or sleep or let life pass them by. Not created to be an isolated witness or group but to recognize that He is the head and we are the body; that we were wired and created to be one with the Father and brother and sister to each other.

I read as Elton John cried out "make him a saint all ready" in reference to the Pope. Another friend posted about the embrace of the Pope by women. Why talk about the Pope? It is not about the Pope or any other man other than Jesus. It is harvest time for the Father. People who do not embrace God or religion are being stirred. We are in a great day and a great hour. Jesus gave His life that all might have salvation. Not a select few. The doors are wide. The floodgates have been pushed open.

People are awakening in droves. Do not be deceived. His goodness is without measure. The cells, the pockets of His people are incurring the epiphany of His goodness, the awesomeness of His greatness. The "phones" of these churches, of these people are ringing with the sound of heaven.

There is smiling. There is laughter. There is change. There is awakening. Those that slept have been awakened.

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Bob Jones - Coming Great Awakening, Inspired Teachers & Needed Networking

Bob Jones - 2011

Bob Jones shares on the coming Great Awakening, inspired teachers, heresy in the Church, and the need for Church and People Networking to hold the harvest coming. Antioch International Church Feb. 16, 2011 Fort Milll, SC. (Video recording by Steve Martin)

Tomato Salvation - When God Calls (Bill Yount0

Bill Yount

---

Tomato Salvation 15 Feb 2014 When God Calls When God calls He rarely considers our plans. Where He leads often makes no sense. When I want to stay, He says, "Go!" When I want to go, He says,"Stay!" The worst place on earth turns out to be perfect to advance His kingdom. And He never asks me what time it is when He says, "Go!" Tomato Salvation A husband and wife shared how they wanted to leave their small town in Texas. Darkness oppressed them. God said, "Stay and plant a church!" A woman, the town drunk, kept interrupting the services. She stomped her feet and gave mean looks. The pastor while preaching happened to mention how he loved tomatoes. The intoxicated woman with a loud voice spoke up. "Tomatoes? I grow tomatoes in my back yard. I will bring you some!" The next service she brought the tomatoes. During the sermon she came under conviction and gave her life to the Lord. Instant deliverance! The whole town shook from the power of her testimony. Her drinking friends still ask her. "How long is this going to last?" She tells them. "Til Jesus comes and for all eternity. I am done with alcohol. I have no taste for it!" When God calls us to a certain place, it usually isn't for our sake but for someone else's. God's Most Wanted List When God calls it's time to tear up our list of people who we think are too far gone in sin and evil. Surprisingly, we find them on "God's Most Wanted List," where we used to be. If God saved you and me, He can save anybody. I believe when we see God face to face, we will realize we could have loved more and judged less. Blessings, Bill Yount www.billyount.com

Western Wall prayer

May You hear the supplications of  Your servant and of Your people Israel,  which they shall pray in this place. II CHRONICLES (6:21) וְשָׁמַעְתָּ אֶל תַּחֲנוּנֵי עַבְדְּךָ וְעַמְּךָ  יִשְׂרָאֵל אֲשֶׁר יִתְפַּלְלוּ  אֶל הַמָּקוֹם הַזֶּה וְאַתָּה  תִּשְׁמַע מִמְּקוֹם שִׁבְתְּךָ מִן הַשָּׁמַיִם וְשָׁמַעְתָּ וְסָלָחְתָּ דברי הימים ב ו:כא ve-sa-ma-TA el ta-kha-noo-NIE av-de-KHA ve-am-KHA yees-ra-ALE ah-SHAREyeet-pa-le-LOO el ha-ma-KOME ha-ZEH ve-ah-TA teesh-MA meem-KOME sheev-te-KHA meen ha-sha-ma-YEEM ve-sha-ma-TA ve-sa-lakh-TA

Jerusalem Inspiration There is a special character to the city of Jerusalem which brings out the inner most prayers and supplications, even from the most skeptical individuals. The transcending power of praying together with thousands of other people to the God of Israel at the Western Wall is a unique experience that everyone should try and have at least once in their lifetime.

4000. Nice number. Good connections. His purposes.

4000 friends on Facebook - 09.01.13

Greetings to my family of friends,

Having "4000" of you now on my Facebook page, as of Sept. 1,2013, is just another opportunity given to continue to share the Lord's love with more people. I am grateful for those we can call friends, whether we really know each other or not. Connections are important. I will use all means to make them!

Someday I hope to meet a lot of you, my friends, in person, and give you a big hug - for the times we each shared on our pages, the encouraging artwork and honest photos posted, and especially the joys and sorrows written about on Facebook.

There are some who care not for FB and social media. As far as I am concerned, even as the Lord used Rome to pave the roads and spread the language in the first century when the Messiah Yeshua came the first time, He is now using the "airwave roads" and "Internet language", through Google, Facebook, Twitter and all others, for His ultimate purposes. They may not know it, but it is His idea. He is the Master Creator! He is spreading His truth and love, and I am riding along with Him!

The Lord will certainly continue using social media to get His Gospel out to the nations. His plans and purposes will not be hindered, even as we see the people around the globe seeking more. May they all find Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus Christ) - before He comes back the second time! 

Soon and very soon, we are going to see the King!

Ahava to my family of friends,

Steve Martin
Love For His People

P.S. On Aug. 31, 2013 (yesterday at the time of this posting) this blog also surpassed our 88,888 page view. I like numbers, if you haven't known that by now (I am an accountant by trade.)

The Lord likes numbers too. He keeps creating more people every minute, to share His love with!

The Glory of the Lord is rising!

Ahava Love Letter - "The Cities"

“The Cities” “When He approached Jerusalem, He saw the city and wept over it,  saying, "If you had known in this day, even you, the things which  make for peace! But now they have been hidden from your eyes.” Luke 19:41-42 NASU

Dear family of friends,

Mondays are a normal day of prayer and fasting for me. I am grateful Bible teacher Derek Prince taught that in the 1970's. I have tried to adhere to it these many decades, though sometimes I didn’t succeed.

Derek Prince - 

"Shaping History Through Prayer and Fasting"

As I recently walked that normal prayer lunch time, the uptown city sidewalks became my partnering moments with the Lord, interceding in tongues through His Holy Spirit (Ruach HaKodesh in Hebrew.)

Many were going to their mid-day appointments, concentrating on conversations with co-workers. Others sat on benches, only caring about where their next meal was coming from.

Charlotte, NC - Tryon Street. On my way...

I just kept praying, knowing Jesus' (Yeshua’s) love was for all of them. The sense of knowing He was grieving along with many, whose real hurt was maybe hidden behind the smiles, touched my heart.

Some I hoped were rejoicing and giving thanks for this day, believing that their Savior had good plans for them each day. But I think those numbers were few among the crowd. And so I walked on. Praying on.

Inhabitants of cities around the world need the Lord. They need to know of His salvation, mercy and love. The vast majority of cities know nothing of His real nature. They only see and believe the lies having been passed down through the centuries. The lies telling them that “The Man upstairs”, as some call Him, has little to do with their life. 

Or that if God is so loving, why are all the wars, hatred, and evil going on daily in the cities world-wide? “Can’t He do something about it?” they might even ask.

The clear message of the Gospel is that God is a loving Father, who sent His only Son Jesus to live among us, die in order for us to live, and rose from the grave, to alone be the only Savior of the world.

Isaiah 53:5

“There is salvation in no one else! For there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by whom we must be saved!” (Acts 4:12 Complete Jewish Bible)

The truth shared, to each as he or she will listen, can break the bonds that entangle so many, and give freedom to the spirit, soul and body. As we pray daily for our families, our cities, our nation, and those in Israel, we will see His Kingdom established.

I believe my regular fasting and prayers are having an effect, and so I will continue to do so. Maybe you will join me? See some results for yourself.

Ahava (love in Hebrew) to my family of friends,

Steve Martin

Founder/President

Love For His People, Inc. truly appreciates your generous support. Please consider sending a monthly charitable gift of $5-$25 each month to help us bless Israel. 

Love For His People, Inc. is a charitable, not-for-profit USA organization. Fed. ID#27-1633858.  Tax deductible contributions receive a receipt for each donation.

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Todah rabah! (Hebrew - Thank you very much.)

 Please share this Ahava Love Letter with your friends.

        

E-mail: loveforhispeople@gmail.com   martinlighthouse@gmail.com

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Ahava Love Letter #65   “The Cities”  ©2013 Steve Martin 

Date: In the year of our Lord 2013 (08/07/13 Wednesday at 6 pm in Charlotte, NC)

All previous editions of Ahava Love Letter can be found on this Blog:

 http://loveforhispeople.blogspot.com 

       

Here are the last few:

How can You Mend A Broken Heart (#64)

Anxious (#63)

Hidden (#62)

Get Back in the Boat (#61)

Need Money? (#60)

Rejected? (#59)

In Your Building – Guard Against Distractions (#58)

Connections (#57)

Your Name (#56)

Lost, But Not Forgotten Friends (#55)