11 Innovations in the Local Church

It has been a couple of weeks since my last post. I try to write when I have something to say - that isn't very often. I'm in the process of reading a new book: "Eleven Innovations in the Local Church." The book is a written by three men who have been involved in church growth - Elmer Towns, Ed Stetzer, and Warren Bird.

I have only been reading the book a few days, but it appears to be an interesting read. In the first of the 11 innovations, the authors talk about "the organic church." They quote Neil Cole, the author of "The Organic Church." Neil says: "the world is in interested in Jesus; it is His wife (the church) that they do not want to spend time with." Another great quote from Neil is: "Attendance on Sundays does not transform lives; Jesus within their hearts is what changes people."

Neil Cole makes some excellent points. For too long the church has emphasized attendance and not Jesus. Attendance is a measurement for the church, because those in attendance are people. People are important, but not more important than Jesus.

I still believe in the local church. Christ loves His bride. The problem is that "the bride" hasn't been faithful in it's "marriage" to the Savior.

I will try to share additional thoughts from the book in the next week or so. Thanks for reading these thoughts - the couple of you who do.