tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4352179045764689947.post1002317227010755638..comments2023-05-22T02:23:18.166-07:00Comments on tallgrassworship: The Warren Report (No, not that Warren Report!)Joycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10463831506588682774noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4352179045764689947.post-8133231634979914502008-08-04T11:21:00.000-07:002008-08-04T11:21:00.000-07:00Beautifully written. I love coming here. I alway...Beautifully written. I love coming here. I always read something that makes me think and feel.Nanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15547916206007733970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4352179045764689947.post-58744441296014978622008-07-29T14:04:00.000-07:002008-07-29T14:04:00.000-07:00cae, thanks for stopping by. I like Arduous' idea...cae, thanks for stopping by. I like Arduous' idea of checking out lots of other blogs; I'm doing it too.<BR/>You're right, the church in Warren does have a nice community feel.Joycehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10463831506588682774noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4352179045764689947.post-69325730065874208492008-07-29T13:46:00.000-07:002008-07-29T13:46:00.000-07:00Here from Arduous's blog - my homework is late! I ...Here from Arduous's blog - my homework is late! I am not a religious person at all but I liked this post. It sounds like a nice community.Cath@VWXYNot?https://www.blogger.com/profile/01164268321173313605noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4352179045764689947.post-86991684714684839932008-07-28T14:35:00.000-07:002008-07-28T14:35:00.000-07:00My church was a struggling little congregation of ...My church was a struggling little congregation of about 100 when a new (young & energetic) pastor came. The congregation promptly dropped to less than 50! In the next 20 years, the numbers grew to over 5000 under the same pastor! Numbers don't mean anything if the people love the Lord.Donnahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08896172914500564208noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4352179045764689947.post-78788044743614885062008-07-28T14:23:00.000-07:002008-07-28T14:23:00.000-07:00K-that's very interesting that you experienced the...K-that's very interesting that you experienced the same phenomenon. I think it is very counterintutive for a pastor to accept that people may leave even when he may be doing the important things right. I'm convinced the Lord allows it sometimes, and that the process is vauable for those who are left, as they trust God to re-grow the church.Joycehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10463831506588682774noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4352179045764689947.post-46688344021020985472008-07-28T07:48:00.000-07:002008-07-28T07:48:00.000-07:00This is such an interesting story and one I have s...This is such an interesting story and one I have seen several times first-hand. One church in particular where my dad was pastor had a nice-sized congregation that dwindled down to around 50-75 people after my dad started there. The pastor's style before him was very different from my dad's. Well, long story short, the church flourished and there were many new converts, up and coming leaders, two new additions to the building because of growth and so much more. We were a leader in the state of Ohio in baptisms and giving among other things. By the time my dad left I believe the church had grown to around 300-350. It is interesting because this church has recently put up a Facebook group called the glory days of HHBC which was from that time when my dad was pastor. (I don't know that that is such a good thing, but they reminisce of those good times as they struggle today to get through the funk they are in now.)<BR/><BR/>I guess the good thing to notice is that losing numbers in exchange for quality and spiritual growth is what counts. And in time the numbers will follow, just like a gorgeous flowering rose bush after a good pruning. <BR/><BR/>K!Lady Sterlinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00776625925276656700noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4352179045764689947.post-60837298151559261032008-07-28T00:44:00.000-07:002008-07-28T00:44:00.000-07:00I agree with you wholeheartedly! God is definitely...I agree with you wholeheartedly! God is definitely moving and touching hearts, including mine.<BR/><BR/>Growing pains aren't very enjoyable, and your son has seen me cry more than I care to admit.<BR/><BR/>But we are no longer attacked to the point of wanting to disobey God and leave. (Perhaps Pastor Matt never entertained that thought, but I sure did. )<BR/><BR/>Recent tears, though, have been due to the Lord healing some serious hurts, reminding us how much we're loved.<BR/><BR/>Maybe I'm being pruned too... <BR/><BR/>By the way, you have a wonderful family! You and your husband are so friendly and approachable. Maybe next time I'll be able to hear Robin play her trumpet. :o)<BR/><BR/>It's always good to see and hug you!<BR/><BR/>God bless!Michellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15778165932651401486noreply@blogger.com