Church rivalry

I simply preach and invite whomever the Lord directs me to. If another church is recruiting them, I'd still invite them. I've also sent people to other churches. "I don't like studying this much", is usually followed up by sending them to a church that a friend of mine pastors. He has also sent some to me because they were looking for more.

 

I saw something on the news the other night where over in Europe there are two churches that have been shooting fireworks at each other around Easter for like 400 years.

I suggest that route. :laugh:

Seriously though if you're doing what God says to do and reaching who you can when you can, that's the best reaction you can have.

 

Shooting fireworks? That's so unbiblical!

Throw rocks. That's what we do.

 

That's a tough one Lagardo. From the sounds of the other church it may not be long before you see them even if they do go there.

I guess what you don't want is for those who made decisions feeling like they are in the middle of a tug of war.

All you can do, as far as I can see, is meet with who you can, be friendly, loving and simply helpful. If their location is closer to this other church perhaps encourage them that way or if they mention the other church encourage them to visit both and see where they feel at home.

Ultimately, God has a place for them all, they just need to decide where God wants them.

This is a hard situation. I'll be praying.

 

Sounds like you need to send Guido and Luigi to , um, pay him a visit.

 

What is a DOM and what authority does he have?

Ultimately, you can talk to the other pastor, but don't worry about it. Do your followup and discipleship.

 

What if you did nothing?

For me, it would be hard to resent what the other pastor is doing. But if you don't like churches' "sheep-stealing," then don't even get close to trying to stop the other pastor.

Hang loose, God will sort all this out.

 

I think you've got the right attitude. Sounds like the other pastor might have a pride issue or he's grown discouraged from not seeing such positive results in his church and has a case of "sour grapes."

I don't appreciate "sheep stealing" either and my husband doesn't practice it, but it might be good for the other church to get some new members who are on fire for God and willing to grow. In the case of our little church, a few new converts would really boost the morale of the faithful few as well as nudge the sleeping pew warmers.

 

Well, I think the fact that those poor folks might well be caught in the middle and avoid both pastors and both churches is the point here and . . . well the results might be disastrous.

I think talking to the DOM is a good decision. Even if the other pastor isn't in your association or isn't willing to sit down with you and the DOM, you've got someone else who knows what's going on and will be praying for both of your churches in a knowledgeable way.

AND - from where I sit is that I'll be praying for your decision. My biggest concern is the new converts and the pull they may be feeling.

 

I cannot understand why so many pastors are so protective of "their" church. Most of the cities are full of people who are not Christians.

A few years ago I spoke with some pastors about getting an evangelistic effort going in the city where I was pastoring. During one of the meetings one of the pastors asked me about what we should do with the people who come to Christ. I told him to follow them up and make disciples. I told him there were several thousand in the area he could share his faith with.

Too many adhere to preservation of the saints by pickling them when pastors should be giving themselves away and helping other church which need help. I have seen God bless the churches which give away their faith and their people to help others.

 

Thanks. That's what I thought. I am much more comfortable with a local association than a national convention. But I reject any authority outside the local church.

 

I agree. Unfortunately, all do not.