Skip to main content

Why Do People Leave the Church?

This event is coming to Woodstock, and I would like to invite everyone to attend with me. Here is your chance to experience an Apologetics conference that will (I believe) be encouraging to your faith and confidence in what is truth. Happening, next weekend, March 7 and 8.

https://www.faithandreasonapologetics.com/mary-jo-sharp/

In over 30 years of ministry, there is one aspect of church life that young people have shared with me that has caused them to leave a church. It has also been a primary purpose for them, leaving the Christian faith in general. And here it is, The unhealthy, emotional, and spiritual immaturity of life-long church attenders and believers. These have been people whom they wanted to trust and look up to, but who have lived with an offense, trivial criticalness, judgmental attitudes, hypocrisy, inability to relate to current culture, church hurt, etc. These have been some of the most significant factors influencing young people to walk away from the church.

In our current culture, which challenges our Christian faith, having much to deal with inside the church is a tragedy. I am committed to growing in my personal emotional and spiritual health as well as challenging our River Oaks Church family to do the same.

While I have not heard Mary Jo Sharp present in person, I have read her book, "Why I Still Believe." The book shares her story as a former atheist's reckoning with her own experience of the bad reputation Christians give to a good God

Mary Jo will be the featured speaker at a conference next weekend in Woodstock. Lynda and I will be attending and we encourage you and your teens, and young adults to attend with us if at all possible with your work schedules.

Please watch this short introduction: 


I believe the testing of our faith in everyday life is a significant influencer and impactor of our daily reality. Exploring our life histories and events within our own church experience is critical! Mary Jo is on staff with Summit Ministries and addresses this critical issue.

With everything within me, I desire to live a life and participate with a church that experiences and makes an eternal difference in our lifetimes!! I don't want us to miss our purpose for this time! I believe Mary Jo has an important message to share!

We would love it if you can carpool and attend with us.

Peace,
Pastor Kevin Strite

Comments

Post a Comment

Thank you!

Popular posts from this blog

Have You Responded to the Invitation Today?

This past Sunday, our focus was on how much God invites us to join Him in the good things He has done and wants to do in our lives. Specifically, Jesus invites us to: Come and Rest Follow Him Live WITH Him (abide in Him) When we accept His invitations, we begin to truly be filled up more and more with Him so that we are enabled to overcome every barrier to being like Him. No, it never happens overnight. (And if you are like me, you grow impatient with the changes you want to see.) Yes, every one of us (myself included) is on a journey and needs to be reminded daily of His invitation. But He is truly at work in us, and He invites you today! Come and rest in Him, in His plan, in His timing, in His promises, in His reconciling work! Follow Him into the great purposes He has for you. His invitation is to the greatness of His life and Kingdom. Live WITH him today. Slow down. Expect Him to speak. Wait for His plans and don't move and act ahead of Him. Here is ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Is There a God?

Great Question! How would you answer? Are you aware that you can not prove that He is? You can believe and you can see evidence, but to prove is another story. So, why DO you believe there is a God? How can you talk with those around you about this question that everyone considers at one time or another? We explored this question on Sunday. Click the link below to watch the message online now.
Post a Comment
Read more

Special Events during our Fasting and Prayer week

SPECIAL EVENTS: I mentioned Sunday that we are joining together in an all-church time of fasting and prayer beginning this coming Sunday, February 9. Please be in prayer about your participation. How will you participate? What will you do if you know there will be a special event during the fast? Who will you ask to be a partner and encourager along the way? As a part of this season of prayer and fasting, I invite you to two special church gatherings. BRING an OFFERING of THANKS This coming Sunday, February 9, you are encouraged and welcome to join with your church family in an evening of giving thanks. By way of preparation, make a list of anything/everything you can recall for which you are thankful to God. Miracles in your life, special moments of provision, healing, peace, sustaining grace, etc. Make a list and come prepared to share some of your items with your church family. Together, we will lift up our thanks as a way of entering into our time of fasting. On We...
Post a Comment
Read more