More Evidence of Churches "Not Living Up to Their Calling"

From the Christian Post:

Criticism from people outside of Christianity toward the Church doesn't surprise many. But when negative viewpoints are being expressed by believers, it raises a red flag for churches across the country.

In the latest research report by Sam S. Rainer III, who heads Rainer Research, only 39 percent of people who dropped out of the church perceived their church as "caring." Meanwhile, 51 percent of them called their church "judgmental."

Among other unfavorable views from those who quit their church, 41 percent of them said their church was "insincere." Only 20 percent felt their church was "inspirational;" 30 percent said their church was "authentic;" and 36 percent said their church was "welcoming."

The survey was conducted on 18- to 22-year-olds and is featured in Rainer's upcoming book, Essential Church?.

"The churches that do not demonstrate these biblical qualities and rather become insincere and judgmental lose this generation," Rainer, a young Baptist pastor, commented. "They return to the culture that claims churches are not living up to their calling.

"And, for the most part, the culture is correct."

Part of the church's calling is to reach those on the outside and live out what they preach, but these students who are dropping out are hearing one thing in church and seeing another thing in the lives of these churchgoers, Rainer pointed out.

At Believers Covenant Fellowship, it is assumed that people walking through our doors have suffered some some of these effects in their church experience, and often dealt with even worse situations than are covered in this article.

How many souls must be lost before churches change their ways? How many people must die not knowing God before religion gives way to faith, judgment gives way to love, personal caring gives way to hellfire and brimstone from the pulpit?

Our church sees the urgency of moving past this and winning souls for Christ, reaching out and sharing with them how they can know the one true and loving God, not this angry characture taught as some many right-wing churches.

I hope your church is focused on teaching people how to live, not telling them why they are going to die.