Too Many Zeros.....

Too Many Zeros.....

Today a friend showed the latest edition of The Alabama Baptist, that is the statewide Baptist Newspaper. On the front page was an article about this huge push from the governor and other politicians, pastors and concern citizens to stop illegal gambling and prevent the spread of legal gambling in Alabama. Sounds great, and don't get me wrong, I am not all about gambling, I've seen what it does to people and families to become addicted. But I guess this is really not my point. I could have been anything on the front page today and it was that which was on the inside that garnered little notice, and has no where near the popular following that the anti-gambling movement does and that is this.

http://www.thealabamabaptist.org/breaking-news-detail.php?id_breaking=20

There also was printed a list of all the Baptism in the state by church, and association: (for those of you that don;t know that is how we Baptist count "conversions" since we believe in adult/believer's baptism.) The first thing that caught my eye was all the zeros by the individual churches. In seminary I learned some kind of fact or figure about haw many churches nationwide baptize no one, but SEEING it. I had to wonder. Have we just come to the forgone conclusion that most churches will not lead a single person to Christ? How is it possible for a group that exists to "Make Disciples" makes none in 365 days?

Then at the same time many of this same denomination can get out and support, lead, and act on petitions to stop gambling. They can use their power to stop huge corporate Machines and make a stand. if we can do that, why can't we do something about all those zeros? Why will people who claim to know Christ mass for political rallies but run to the hills when their pastor mentions Evangelism? The said thing is I think if witnessing got you political brownie points, there would be not a single church with zeros on a report like that.

I would really like to hear from you on this. How does this make you feel?
No matter what denomination you are.
Baptist, how does this make you feel?
Non- baptist, how does this make you feel about us as a denomination?
and especially to friends that are not yet Believers, How does this make you feel about Christians

The Good, The Brad and the Ugly

Friday, March 13, 2009